ASF: Prepare for the worst, hope for the best

ASF is a devastating virus transmitted through infected pigs and contaminated pork products. Outside of the UK, the disease has been confirmed in wild boar, on farms and smallholdings, and even in pet pigs. We urge pig producers to be proactive by implementing key biosecurity measures and developing a robust contingency plan.

Restrictions

When ASF is detected, movement restrictions will be imposed to limit animal transport and farm access. Producers must assess their readiness to handle these limitations by understanding how the restrictions would impact their own businesses.

Restrictions can also disrupt feed supply chains, so including feed logistics in contingency plans is essential. Producers should consider alternative suppliers, prepare for storage challenges and plan for limited feed access during an outbreak.

Evaluating the potential impact on daily operations and ensuring staff understand their roles in enforcing these measures is essential. Simulation exercises are a valuable way to test and refine contingency plans as they allow teams to practise roles and responsibilities under pressure.

Be prepared

We have hosted webinars that featured simulation exercises, which were extremely useful for identifying potential weaknesses in plans and equipping staff with the confidence to respond to an ASF outbreak.

The vital role of digitising visitor (and animal movement) records was also highlighted in effectively managing ASF outbreaks, as this would speed up tracings – the first step in disease control.

If visitors cannot be traced and a risk assessment cannot be completed, restrictions will likely remain in place for longer, causing immense inconvenience for affected premises. APHA and Defra noted that while they would adopt a risk-based approach in an outbreak, reliance on non-electronic records could delay decisions.

Biosecurity is the first line of defence against ASF and this must happen at both a national and international level. However, in the event of an outbreak, early detection becomes paramount.

It is vital for staff to recognise clinical signs and speak to their vet or Defra when they have concerns. Regular training and resources from organisations such as ourselves provide valuable guidance for staff on spotting these signs early and reporting them promptly to authorities.

An ASF outbreak will be emotionally challenging for staff, especially if it leads to culling. Planning for staff wellbeing during this time is vital; understanding your team’s resilience before an outbreak can help minimise issues. Having a plan to support your team is important and knowing what they’re likely to need and where to get it can help.

It’s never too early to draw up a contingency plan. A robust plan should cover both immediate responses and long-term recovery. This includes planning for cleaning and disinfection protocols, as well as strategies for the safe disposal of infected animals. Developing a clear post-outbreak plan can also help with the transition back to normal operations.

AHDB offers extensive resources for ASF contingency planning, including webinars, workshops, podcasts and templates. By engaging with these resources, you can stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in ASF management.

Further information and useful resources