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Biosecurity practices and border control to stop the spread of African swine fever

Year of publication 2020

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 2p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) African swine fever (ASF) is a devasting haemorrhagic viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. Outbreaks of ASF result in massive losses of swine and pork products, and have economically catastrophic consequences in countries with a developed commercial pig farming sector. The only means to control the disease is through the elimination of infected pig populations and strict control of the movement of animals and pork products. ASF is endemic in most of sub-Saharan Africa. Since ASF’s emergence in Georgia in 2007, the disease has spread to many countries in Europe. In August 2018, ASF was first detected in Asia . The disease was reported in China, the country with the world’s largest inventories of domestic pigs. China is also the world’s leading consumer of pork meat. In Europe and Asia, wild boar have become an epidemiological reservoir for the virus, as the species can contract, carry and spread ASF. Similar to the situation in Europe, there is a heightened risk of ASF endemicity in East and Southeast Asia and further progressive global spread, with unpredictable consequences. FAO supports member countries in ramping up prevention and preparedness efforts and response to outbreaks, to prevent further spreading of the disease.

Language English

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    This publication provides a template on how to structure a control and eradication plan for African swine fever in wild boar. It provides guidance on how to present the data of the domestic pigs and wild boar population, surveillance activities and the epidemiological situation. Furthermore, it provides a detailed set of measures that are relevant for controlling African swine fever in wild boar.
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    The risk of introduction and spread of African swine fever (ASF) into countries free from the disease is elevated due to intensified travel around the Lunar New Year (29 January 2025).In light of the elevated risk, FAO is calling on all Chief Veterinary Officers to increase ASF prevention and preparedness activities to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks and subsequent impacts on livelihoods and economies.To address this, countries should focus on strengthening inspections at international borders, national administrative borders, and high-risk traffic routes. Efforts should also include improving biosecurity and good husbandry practices on farms, ensuring systems for early detection, timely reporting, and rapid containment of the virus are robust, and implementing targeted sampling of animals that are more likely to carry the virus. Active surveillance should be considered as a proactive measure, while collaboration with forestry and environmental sectors, as well as game management authorities in contact with wild pig populations, is critical. Consulting closely with the private sector will facilitate early reporting and response, and awareness campaigns should be reinforced to educate stakeholders about ASF prevention and management strategies.
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