African swine fever

African swine fever (ASF) is a virus that affects pigs and wild boar and can result in high mortality rates.

ASF is well-established within parts of Europe, Russia and China, with a reservoir of infection in the wild boar population. Focus must be on ensuring ASF does not spread further.

We urge all pig producers to ensure their biosecurity is tight, particularly vehicles, animals and people coming on to their units. We need all pig producers, farmers and the public to pull together to keep this disease out.

View Defra's latest outbreak assessment

How to spot African swine fever (ASF)

With high-virulence forms of the virus, ASF is characterised by:

high fever
loss of appetite
haemorrhages in the skin and internal organs
death in 2-10 days on average

All age groups are equally susceptible and mortality rates may be as high as 100%.

There has never been an outbreak of ASF in Great Britain.

African swine fever is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.

What can you do to reduce the risk of ASF?

Make sure you and your staff are aware of, and adhere to, your farm biosecurity protocol
Ensure good biosecurity throughout the entire supply chain is the first line of defence against exotic and emerging diseases, including ASF and PEDv
Ensure all staff have your veterinary surgeon's telephone number, as well as the Defra Rural Services Helpline (Tel: 03000 200 301) should you suspect a case of ASF
Make a contingency plan in case movements become restricted

Biosecurity on pig farms

Contingency planning for pig keepers

Biosecurity checklist on pig farms

Resources and posters

Focus must be on ensuring ASF does not spread further.

We urge all pig producers to ensure their biosecurity is tight and we have signs and posters to help which you can download and order below.

Download and order resources and posters

African swine fever impact report

Read the latest market intelligence report which addresses key questions relating to ASF, including current spread, trade restrictions and the implications of the outbreak in Belgium. It also explores the potential effects of ASF on the German market and highlights the interdependence of the European pork sector.

It assesses the international opportunities/challenges and considers the potential downward impact on prices resulting from a shift in supply and demand dynamics.

Download the report (2020)

Download the report (2018)

ASF videos

The videos below explain what ASF is, how to prevent it and the clinical signs to look out for. They also address the impact ASF could have on the industry, in terms of both commercial and rare breed pigs.