Farms.com Home   News

Has the Spread of African Swine Fever in the European Union Been Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic?

Abstract: Has the Spread of African Swine Fever in the European Union Been Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic?

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, listed as notifiable by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). It causes substantial economic losses to pig farming in the affected countries, with consequent enormous damage to livestock production due to mortality of the animals, and to the restrictions on national and international trade in pigs and derivative products that the presence of the infection implies. To prevent or reduce the risk of ASF introduction, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the OIE recommend preventive and control measures, such as the ban of live swine and their products traded from ASF-affected to ASF-free countries or zones. The current spread of ASF into Europe poses a serious risk to the industrialized and small-scale pig sector, as demonstrated by observed cases in different EU areas. In this paper the authors discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ASF, and the indirect effects including the impact on animal health and disease management.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Navigating Key Pork Industry Issues with Matthew Grill | 2025 Illinois Pork Congress

Video: Navigating Key Pork Industry Issues with Matthew Grill | 2025 Illinois Pork Congress

Matthew Grill from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) sits down with Rachel Fishback at the 2025 Illinois Pork Congress to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the pork industry. They cover the latest developments on tariffs, Proposition 12, congressional actions, and the Farm Bill, highlighting their impact on producers. Grill also emphasizes the importance of sharing the pork industry’s story and advocating for policies that support farmers and sustainability. Tune in for valuable insights on the future of U.S. pork production.