APHA provides update on European ASF situation

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has published an updated African swine fever (ASF) assessment for Eastern Europe and Germany. 

It all includes disease updates for a number of European countries, including Germany, where the virus was recently detected in domestic pigs for the first time. 

• You can view the update HERE

"The confirmation of disease here is unsurprising given the circulation in wild boar in east Germany and presence in neighbouring Poland but must still be disappointing considering their implemented biosecurity measures," the agency said. 

ASF continues to be present in domestic pigs across Eastern Europe, where Romania in particular has continued, since May, to report high numbers of outbreaks of ASF in domestic pigs, albeit mainly in small holdings. The virus is still circulating in wild boar across much of Eastern Europe, and in Germany (Brandenburg and Saxony).

Up to the end of July there had been more than 600 cases recorded in domestic animals across six European countries so far this year and, according to OIE data, more than 4,000 cases in wild boar across 12 countries (or more than 8,000 using ADIS  data). 

UK risk assessment 

The risk of entry of ASF virus in products of animal origin from affected countries, including from illegal imports, remains at 'medium'.

"Although the UK has now left the European Union, as part of our ongoing commitment to ease the burden felt by businesses and travellers and allow ports of entry longer to prepare, there has been no change to the rules for passengers travelling into GB from the EU with products of an animal origin from January 2021," APHA says. 

"But Great Britain will be bringing in controls in January 2022. Nevertheless, all travellers are strongly advised to avoid bringing, ordering or requesting any pork products – for example, dried or cured meats, sausages, salamis or pâté – back to the UK from affected parts of Europe.

"Travellers from Asia and other third country areas who bring meat or dairy products can also face prosecution and a large fine.

We would like to emphasise to all pig keepers, pig producers, smallholders and general public to ensure pigs are not fed catering waste, kitchen scraps or pork products, thereby observing the swill feeding ban.

"All pig keepers, whether commercial holdings or not, should remain vigilant and ensure that any visitors or seasonal workers have not had any recent contact with pigs, pig products, pig premises, wild boar (including hunting) or equipment associated with such activities in the affected regions in Europe or other affected parts of the world.

"As with all biosecurity, measures are only as effective as the people using them so proper training should be provided.

"Pig keepers and veterinarians should remind themselves of the clinical signs for ASF. Any suspect cases must be reported promptly."

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