African Swine Fever (ASF): Reducing the Risk of Infection

Severe Viral Disease in Pigs and Wild Boar

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious and almost always fatal viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar. The virus attacks the blood vessels, causing high fever, haemorrhaging and death within a matter of days.

The virus does not pose a risk to humans or other animal species, but it can spread rapidly through:

• Direct contact between infected animals
• Contaminated carcasses or pork products
• Contaminated vehicles, clothing, footwear, equipment or food
• Contaminated feed or bedding

The ASF virus can survive for weeks in blood, faeces and pork products; according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), it can persist for months at low temperatures.

International authorities such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) emphasise that the threat remains constant due to the ongoing circulation of the virus across multiple regions.

Farms must therefore strictly adhere to hygiene protocols and implement all measures that contribute to effective biosecurity practices on and around the premises.

Spread in Europe

According to the EFSA, African Swine Fever occurs periodically in various European regions, affecting both wild boar and domestic pigs.

To prevent further spread, affected countries implement control measures such as hunting restrictions, carcass removal, transport bans and the establishment of restricted zones around outbreak areas.

Due to the mobility of wild boar and human activity, African Swine Fever can spread relatively quickly. A single introduction of the virus can have significant economic consequences for the pig industry, including mandatory culling, trade restrictions and prolonged recovery measures.

Advice for the Public and Outdoor Workers

For visitors to wooded areas, hunters and people working outdoors, the following measures are recommended to help prevent the spread of African Swine Fever:

• Avoid contact with wild boar
• Report dead or sick animals to the relevant local animal health authority or land management body
• Thoroughly clean boots, vehicles, clothing and equipment after activities in high-risk areas
• Do not bring meat or animal products from affected areas, in order to prevent the spread of the virus through human activity

Recommended PPE for Biosecurity and Decontamination Activities

In ASF situations, PPE is not used to protect people from the virus itself, but to prevent the virus from being carried on clothing, footwear and equipment. During cleaning and disinfection activities, there is often an additional risk of chemical exposure.

The following PPE categories are commonly used for this type of work (depending on protocols and the products used):

• Eye and face protection for spraying activities
• Body protection: Liquid-repellent or disposable coveralls
• Foot protection: Rubber boots with overshoes
• Hand protection: Nitrile gloves with high chemical resistance
• Respiratory protection: When cleaning and using disinfectants

In addition to general biosecurity measures, wearing appropriate PPE is essential during all high-risk activities. Select PPE that is suitable for the substances being used (disinfectants, foam, spray applications) as well as for the contamination risk within the working zone. If in doubt, consult your internal protocol or PPE adviser.

Biosecurity in Pig Farming: Key Measures

International animal health authorities and industry guidelines emphasise the importance of strict biosecurity to keep African Swine Fever (ASF) out of pig farms. This includes, among other measures:

• Restrict access to the farm and keep a clear record of all visitors
• Use dedicated farm clothing and footwear that remain on site
• Source feed and bedding only from reliable and approved suppliers
• Never feed pigs with kitchen waste or food scraps.

Monitoring and Surveillance

National veterinary authorities and animal health agencies conduct ongoing surveillance of wild boar populations and high-risk import flows. In cases of suspected infection, sick or dead animals are tested and affected farms are immediately placed under movement restrictions.

Procedures for culling, cleaning, disinfection and contact tracing are set out in national contingency plans and aligned with international animal health standards.