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African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs and wild boar that is usually fatal (but poses no risk to humans). The disease can be considered one of the most feared epidemic diseases of pig production, resulting in devastating consequences both at farm and industry level.
ASF has been around for several decades. Historically, it has been endemic to Africa and Sardinia. In 2007, however, the virus was detected in Georgia, and despite coordinated efforts it has since spread widely, initially through Eastern Europe and Russia. Since 2016, the disease spread has escalated and ASF has been spreading rapidly throughout much of Eastern Europe. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine available for it.
China and Germany
In August 2018, the disease also reached the world’s largest pig producer, China, and is now spreading in several Asian countries. Since the first outbreak, 184 further outbreaks have been reported in all 31 mainland provinces in China, which devastated the country’s pig population.
It is estimated that China has lost approximately 60% of its herd, which leaves behind a significant deficit in the global protein source.
China is currently trying to rebuild its pig industry but it is estimated that it will take a number of years to build it back to the level it was at before ASF decimated the herd. A vaccine could play a big part in restoring the country’s pig herd.
To date there have been 65 confirmed cases of ASF in wild boar and none in the domestic pig herd
On 10 September, the first case of ASF in Germany was identified in a decomposed wild boar carcase found in the Spree-Neisse region of Brandenburg within 6km of the Polish border. Germany has the second-largest pig industry in the EU after Spain and, although this is not a particularly significant region for pork production, it has had a major effect on the pig industry. To date there have been 65 confirmed cases of ASF in wild boar and none in the domestic pig herd.
German authorities had erected fencing along the border to prevent natural migration of wild boar.
Hunting of wild boar has also been intensified in Germany to reduce the risk of disease spread
A comprehensive surveillance programme had also been implemented in Germany, with mandatory searches for dead wild boar and all carcases found required to be tested for ASF in this region.
Hunting of wild boar has also been intensified in Germany to reduce the risk of disease spread.
A number of key export destinations outside the EU, such as Singapore, Argentina, the Philippines and most notably China, have placed a total ban on the importation of German pork products. The inability to export to these markets traps the pork within the EU.
Price fall
Reduced demand for German pork has decreased German farmers’ price already, which fell by 13% the week ASF was first detected.
Denmark and the Netherlands have also experienced negative price pressure as cheap German pork out-competes them on the European market.
However, the situation is still unfolding and Germany remains optimistic that China will eventually support a regional approach to trade
Germany was the third-largest pork supplier to China in the first seven months of the year with about 15% of the import market share. Other EU states including Ireland may pick up some of the slack left by the loss of German supplies in China but will face very stiff competition from exporters such as the US and Brazil.
However, the situation is still unfolding and Germany remains optimistic that China will eventually support a regional approach to trade with countries affected by ASF, especially when the disease is only present in the wild boar herd.
African swine fever in Germany serves as a warning signal that the disease remains a constant threat to Ireland.
As Ireland is an island, we have great potential to keep this destructive disease out of the country and protect our pig industry. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and the emphasis must be on the adoption of strict and stringent biosecurity measures both internally and externally. The ASF virus can survive for months or even years in pork or pork products such as ham, sausages or salami.
Any staff/visitor/persons involved in hunting or who have been in contact with carcases should be free from pigs for a minimum of 72 hours upon return
One of the greatest threats of ASF entering Ireland is through infected meat. If pigs consume food waste containing infected meat it will cause an outbreak of the disease. Therefore, best practice is to ban any food containing pork or pork products entering the pig unit and all leftover food should be carefully disposed of away from pigs. Any staff/visitor/persons involved in hunting or who have been in contact with carcases should be free from pigs for a minimum of 72 hours upon return and clothing, footwear and equipment used while hunting should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and preferably not worn on return to the farm again.
Avoid contact
Pig owners should also ensure that any persons travelling to infected areas should avoid contact with pigs and remain free from pigs for at least 72 hours upon return. The risk of ASF transmission in feed ingredients will be discussed by Dr Scott Dee, Pipestone Veterinary Services, on Friday 23 October at the Teagasc Virtual Pig Week and can be viewed later on the Teagasc pig website.
Every farm is unique, and consequently every unit should develop a biosecurity plan with their vet, with input from farm staff and it should be reviewed and updated regularly. Under the current Rural Development Programme funding is available to pig herd owners through the Targeted Advisory Service for Animal Health (TASAH) to have a comprehensive biosecurity review carried out on your farm by a trained private veterinary practitioner.
Time and money spent on biosecurity should be seen as an investment and should not be considered wasted
Animal Health Ireland is delivering the service using the University of Ghent BioCheck scoring tool (introduced to Ireland by Teagasc Pig Development Department). This involves a comprehensive and objective review of internal and external biosecurity practices and infrastructure. To avail of this, contact AHI which has a list of trained, participating vets and their contact details.
Time and money spent on biosecurity should be seen as an investment and should not be considered wasted. Biosecurity is an investment in the future performance, health and welfare of animals, and in the security of our farms and pig industry as a whole. For further biosecurity advice, ASF, videos, posters and disease updates you should visit the Department of Agriculture website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.
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