For the first time since 2014, the number of EU Member States affected by ASF also decreased – from 14 to 13 – as Sweden was declared ASF-free and no new countries reported infections. While most Member States experienced only sporadic cases, Romania remained the most heavily affected, accounting for 66% of all domestic pig outbreaks. Most of these cases (78%) were detected on small farms with fewer than 100 pigs.
Meanwhile, the number of ASF outbreaks in wild boar remained stable compared to 2022. According to EFSA, 30% of all wild boar outbreaks were reported by Poland.
The report also highlights an increase in passive surveillance efforts in affected Member States. This method, which involves investigating suspected disease cases, led to the detection of around 80% of ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs and 70% in wild boar across the EU. EFSA scientists recommend that countries continue to prioritize passive surveillance and, during high-risk periods and in risk-prone areas, implement systematic sampling of dead animals (enhanced passive surveillance) to ensure early detection of the disease.
nationalhogfarmer.com