African swine fever

There has never been a reported case of African swine fever in Great Britain

ASF is not transmissible to humans and is not a danger to human health but can have devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy. The disease poses a serious risk to the UK pig industry.

Clinical signs of ASF are almost identical to Classical swine fever (CSF). The two diseases can only be differentiated by diagnostic test. However both are notifiable diseases and must be reported.

Latest situation

ASF virus has been reported in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. In affected areas the disease has been confirmed in wild boar, as well as on farms, smallholdings and in pet pigs. 

The latest disease risk assessment for ASF in wild boar and domestic pigs in Europe can be found at African swine fever in pigs and wild boars in Europe (on gov.uk).

Suspicion and confirmation

African swine fever is a notifiable animal disease. Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect African swine fever.

APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.

If the disease is confirmed, the outbreak will be controlled in line with the Welsh Government Contingency Plan for Exotic Notifiable Disease of Animals and the Control Strategy for African and Classical Swine Fever for Great Britain (on gov.uk).

Clinical signs

African swine fever can occur in acute, chronic and mild forms. The acute form can cause severe disease and is generally fatal.

Clinical signs of ASF are almost identical to Classical swine fever (CSF) and they can only be reliably distinguished through laboratory diagnostic tests. 

The main clinical signs are:

• fever
• depression
• recumbency  
• loss of appetite
• lack of energy 
• sudden death with few signs beforehand

Other signs may include:

• red or dark skin, particularly on the ears and snout
• discharges from the eyes and nose
• laboured breathing and coughing
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abortion, stillbirths and weak litters
• weakness  
• unsteady gait

Defra has published photos of the clinical signs of ASF (on flickr.com).

Transmission

African swine fever is highly contagious and can be spread to healthy pigs through:

• direct contact with infected pigs or their faeces or bodily fluids
• pigs eating infectious meat or meat products
• contact with anything contaminated with the virus including people, their clothing, vehicles and other equipment. 

Both African swine fever (ASF) and Classical swine fever (CSF) virus can survive in meat and meat products, including frozen and cured products, for months or years.

Keepers are reminded that it is illegal to feed kitchen waste of any description to pigs in the UK. In Wales the law is enforced under The Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014 (on legislation.gov.uk). 

Prevention and control

You should practise strict biosecurity to prevent the virus spreading. This includes: 

• wearing protective clothing and boots, and providing these to any farm visitors or workers 
• provide cleaning and disinfectant materials for all farm visitors or workers
• cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment
• disposing of leftovers or waste food in secure bins that pigs or wildlife cannot access 
• responsibly sourcing livestock
• remaining vigilant to signs of disease 
• practicing strict biosecurity

Legislation

The legislation covering African swine fever in Wales on the legislation.gov.uk website includes: 

• The Diseases of Swine Regulations 2014 (on legislation.gov.uk)
• The Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) (Wales) Order 2011 (on legislation.gov.uk)
• The Disease Control (Wales) Order 2003 (on legislation.gov.uk)
• The Animal Gatherings (Wales) Order 2010 (on legislation.gov.uk)
• The Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014 (on legislation.gov.uk)
• The Products of Animal Origin (Disease Control) (Wales) Regulations 2008 (on legislation.gov.uk)