Bridging gaps in risk communication and community engagement for African swine fever management in Asia and the Pacific

Domingo Caro III, Juven Niño Villacastin, Robert Wragg, Frank Pumipuntu, Roxanne Bunayog, Rizza Espenido, Michelle Balbin, Aleli Marasigan, Janice Garcia, Flordeliz Samonte, Vijay Raika Monger, Sangay Rinchen, Sarah Jayme and Yooni Oh

Bridging gaps in risk communication and community engagement for African swine fever management in Asia and the Pacific

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 1

Author Domingo Caro III, Juven Niño Villacastin, Robert Wragg, Frank Pumipuntu, Roxanne Bunayog, Rizza Espenido, Michelle Balbin, Aleli Marasigan, Janice Garcia, Flordeliz Samonte, Vijay Raika Monger, Sangay Rinchen, Sarah Jayme and Yooni Oh

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Poster, banner

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Synopsis (short abstract) African swine fever is a highly fatal disease affecting pigs, which first emerged in China in August 2018. By October 2024, it had spread to over 20 countries in Asia and the Pacific, causing significant losses in both domestic and wild pig populations and threatening livelihoods and food security in the region. This poster summarizes findings from FAO-supported risk communication and community engagement efforts in Bhutan and the Philippines. These efforts include Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices surveys and consultative workshops aimed at identifying barriers, such as misconceptions about the disease’s non-zoonotic nature and its environmental persistence, that hinder effective biosecurity.It illustrates how localized interventions—such as training "biosecurity champions," incorporating WhatsApp and radio messaging, and conducting participatory community forums—can help restore farmer trust and improve the timely reporting of suspected cases. In alignment with FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–31, this poster contributes to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems under the Four Betters. It also supports Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, and 10 by protecting rural incomes and enhancing food security.Targeted at researchers, field epidemiologists, and policymakers, the poster offers a replicable, multidisciplinary model that strengthens outbreak response, fosters cross-sectoral partnerships, and enhances FAO’s visibility as a leader in integrating social science into animal health interventions.

Language English

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A risk assessment for the introduction of African swine fever into the Pacific Island countries 2024

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This publication is a dedicated risk assessment that specifically addresses the introduction of African swine fever (ASF) into the Pacific Islands countries. It was conducted by the EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Sciences at Massey University, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP/SAP/3801). Serving as an invaluable resource, this publication is intended for policymakers, veterinary professionals, and other stakeholders actively engaged in protecting the pig industry and safeguarding the agricultural sector against the potential risks and implications of ASF.
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Enhance Regional Animal Health Capacity to Prepare and Respond to Risks of African Swine Fever Introduction and Spread in the Pacific - TCP/SAP/3805 2025

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The project addresses critical gaps in veterinary capacity within Pacific communities, which currently have limited ability to respond to Animal Health Emergencies, particularly in the face of threats like African Swine Fever (ASF). ASF is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar, with a near 100 percent fatality rate and no available vaccine or treatment. The disease has spread rapidly across Europe and Asia, causing devastating losses in pig populations and severe economic and social impacts, especially in China, where the disease led to the loss of millions of pigs. The spread of ASF has now reached Papua New Guinea, posing a significant risk to neighbouring Pacific nations, including the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, where the introduction of ASF could lead to substantial economic and social consequences.

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