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African Swine Fever: Welfare Implications of Outbreak Management

African swine fever poses a catastrophic threat to pig welfare globally. This guide examines welfare implications of both the disease and control measures.

Key Facts

ASF is caused by a highly pathogenic virus with up to 100% mortality in naive pig populations
There is currently no vaccine available in most parts of the world
The disease causes acute haemorrhagic fever with extreme welfare suffering
Outbreak control requires mass depopulation of infected and contact herds
Wild boar are a reservoir maintaining and spreading ASF across Europe and Asia
UK biosecurity measures attempt to prevent entry — wild boar incursion is a major risk

Welfare Considerations and Management

ASF welfare implications span the disease itself and outbreak control responses. Acutely infected pigs suffer severe haemorrhagic fever causing extreme distress before death. Mass depopulation during outbreaks (often millions of pigs) requires humane killing methods at scale — electrocution, CO2 gas, or captive bolt depending on circumstances. Biosecurity measures to prevent ASF entry (swill feeding bans, strict import controls) protect pig welfare at population scale.

What You Can Do

Support strict ASF biosecurity measures including swill feeding bans
Report any sick or dead wild boar to the Animal and Plant Health Agency
Maintain excellent on-farm biosecurity to reduce outbreak risk
Support ASF vaccine research as the most effective long-term welfare solution