African swine fever

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and deadly disease that affects domestic and wild pigs regardless of age or sex. ASF cannot be spread to humans or other non-swine animals and livestock and is not a threat to human health. However, humans can carry the virus on their clothing, shoes and equipment and can spread the disease unknowingly.

Why should we pay attention to feed biosecurity?

Dr. Dee from Pipestone Veterinary Services and Kansas State University conducted a transboundary study that demonstrated the survival of some viruses in feed and feed materials in 2018. The results showed that viruses, including ASF, survived in a variety of feed materials, such as soybean meal, lysine, choline, etc. Therefore, feed, as a possible infectious source and a way to transmit the disease, ensuring biological safety is also an important part of the biosecurity control system.

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Three steps to battling African swine fever

PART 1: Biosecurity in the feed mill

PART 2: Reducing feed-associated risks

PART 3: Improving animal immune function to
cope with viral infections

Experiments have proven that African swine fever virus is more easily carried in the raw materials related to pig products, such as those containing high levels of natural protein, those in which the carrier contains trace components and those with relatively large surface areas. Research has also confirmed that dry pig blood and feed additives containing pig blood have tested positive for the virus, leading researchers to propose that this may be one of the current transmission routes

Tips to prevent ASF from entering your farm

It is possible to keep ASF out of the farm, even in countries where ASF is endemic. Here are nine prevention measures you can take to avoid ASF.

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Fill out the form to download our PDFs featuring three steps to battling ASF and to schedule a call.

part1

part2

part3-1

 

Frequently Asked Questions on ASF

What are the symptoms of African Swine Fever?

Signs and symptoms of ASF

High fever (40.5–42°C)
Sudden loss of appetite
Hemorrhages on skin and internal organs, particularly lymph nodes
Diarrhea, vomiting (sometimes with bloody discharge)
Abortion
Depression
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Sudden death
High death loss
What are the treatment options for ASF?
  • Currently, there are no treatments or vaccinations available for this animal disease.
  • Preventative and cautionary measures can be taken to protect animal health.
  • Contact between sick and healthy animals can transmit ASF. Therefore, infected animals must be isolated and culled immediately upon confirmation of ASF.
Can ASF be transferred via feed?

ASF can be transferred via feed (Niederwerder, et al., 2019). It is important to work with trusted suppliers and vendors to verify ingredient sources and determine what their biosecurity and quality programs entail.

Does ASF spread to humans and other non-swine animals and livestock?

ASF cannot be spread to humans and other non-swine animals and livestock and is not a threat to human health. However, humans can carry the virus on their clothing, shoes and equipment and can spread the disease unknowingly.

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