October 31, 2019

Most of Western Europe free from African swine fever

Pig herds in most of Western Europe continue to remain unaffected by African swine fever even after reported outbreaks in wild boar across Belgium, Pig Word reported, referring to an outbreak assessment by the United Kingdom's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Belgium's first recorded case of ASF was back in September 2018. While there have been over 800 confirmed cases that involved wild boar in the country, such incidences are confined to the same area in southern Belgium.

The number of reported outbreaks has been falling rapidly with only one new case of ASF in August in Belgium.

Around 5,200 pigs of Belgium's local pig herd have been put down to prevent the spread of ASF. The country continues to be ASF-free for both its domestic pig herd and for wild pigs in captivity. Culling has been mainly attributed to this achievement.

France is also currently ASF-free. However, its proximity to Belgium exposes the country to potential ASF risk.

The other major European pig producing nations that are ASF-free are Spain, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.

"At present, ASF entering the UK through contaminated pork is classed as a medium risk by Defra," Charlie Reeve, a trainee analyst at Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) said.

- Pig World