As African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread across Europe, Asia and Africa, the threat to the UK’s pig industry remains significant.
This devastating virus is often transmitted through contaminated pork products and has been confirmed in wild boar, on farms and smallholdings, and even in pet pigs. Pig producers are being urged to be proactive by implementing key biosecurity measures and developing robust contingency plans.
When ASF is detected
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 affect 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 in an outbreak.
Evaluating the potential effect 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.
AHDB has hosted webinars that feature simulation exercises, which were extremely useful for identifying potential weaknesses in a plan 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 no risk assessment is done, restrictions will likely remain in place 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.
Notifiable disease
- If you suspect a notifiable disease in your animals in England, you must report it by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
- In Wales, call 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Service Office.
- Failure to do so is an offence
Biosecurity
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’s vital for staff to recognise clinical signs and speak to their vet or Defra when they have concerns.
Regular training and resources from organisations like AHDB provide valuable guidance for staff on spotting these signs early and reporting them promptly.
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 prevent issues in the event.
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 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 help ensure a smoother transition back to normal operations.
AHDB offers extensive resources for ASF contingency planning, including webinars, workshops, podcasts and templates. By engaging with these resources, producers can stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in ASF management.
ASF poses a significant threat to the UK pig industry, but with careful planning and proactive measures, farmers can protect their herds and mitigate the impact of a potential outbreak.
We’re here to help and offer support so the UK pig industry can take meaningful steps to safeguard its operations and people.