April 3, 2023

Denmark's small pig farms fell short in preventing ASF

Random inspections of approximately 150 wild boar and domestic pig herds in Denmark last year revealed that small pig farms in the country can do more to prevent African swine fever (ASF), according to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, which conducted the inspections.

More than one in three Danish hobby farmers with between one and 10 free-range pigs were found to either not have sufficient understanding of fencing regulations or do not have statutory signs stating that feeding food scraps to the pigs is prohibited. One in four slightly larger pig herds (11-50 animals) received a warning during an inspection visit.

Charlotte Vilstrup Castle, veterinary director at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, said: "...owners must keep the animals securely behind fences and inform guests and passers-by that it is forbidden to feed the animals food waste." This is crucial as both domestic pigs and wild boar can become infected with ASF if they consume infected pork. The virus can easily survive in food.

- Danish Veterinary and Food Administration