Plant ebola can generate a dramatic food crisis in Africa

Brown brand's virus, infects cassava, causing losses that add up to almost 90 to 100 percent of the crops.

A new disease that infects cassava, which has been named as "plant ebola," can create an imminent food crisis in Africa, the researchers warned, fearing that this plague could decimate the harvest of one of the most vital meals in Africa.

Africa is one of the world's largest producers of cassava, contributing 57 percent of the production that feeds about 800 million people worldwide.

This tuber, rich in starch, is the third largest source of carbohydrates in tropical countries and is vital for the subsistence of many farmers.

But a new disease, known as the brown brand's virus, has spread in recent years, causing losses that add up to almost 90-100 percent of infected crops, experts from 12 African countries ask for an urgent action to avoid "a food disaster" on the continent.

"We ask the government to put in place an early warning system, a strategic response to illness," said Justin Pita, executive chairman of the West Africa Virus Epidemiology Program.

Corneille Ahanhanzo, a researcher from Benin, pointed out that resources, time and research devoted to the progress of the plague are not enough.

"It is time for us researchers to stand up against this disease that is going to become the plant ebola.

This plague, which was first detected in the east of the continent, has spread to the central zone, and experts fear that it will continue to advance.