Farm Animals

Pig Biosecurity and African Swine Fever Preparedness

African Swine Fever (ASF) represents a catastrophic threat to pig welfare globally. Robust biosecurity is the primary defence against introduction.

Key Facts

ASF causes near-100% mortality in affected pigs with no vaccine or treatment
The disease has spread across Europe and Asia affecting millions of animals
Wild boar are a reservoir host that can introduce disease to domestic pigs
Contaminated pork products, vehicles, and fomites are major transmission routes
UK pigs have remained ASF-free through strict biosecurity and import controls

Welfare Considerations

ASF causes severe, rapid disease with high fever, haemorrhage, and death. Mass culling to prevent spread causes additional welfare harm at enormous scale. The welfare case for rigorous biosecurity to prevent ASF introduction is overwhelming. Individual pig producers maintaining high biosecurity standards protect both their animals and the wider industry.

What You Can Do

Support strict biosecurity practices on all pig-keeping premises
Never feed kitchen waste or pork products to pigs (illegal in UK)
Report suspected unusual pig disease to the Animal Plant Health Agency immediately