Wild boars remain the main virus reservoir
The highest numbers of ASF cases in wild boar were detected in Poland (1,465), Germany (885), Latvia (560), and Hungary (389). Epidemiologists warn that if the current spread continues at the same pace, the annual figures may exceed the 2024 record of 7,672 cases.
The region typically experiences a seasonal increase in ASF activity from September to March. However, the high number of outbreaks already recorded in Q1 2025 raises serious concerns.
Comparison of wild boar ASF cases in Q1 2025 vs. full-year 2024 figures for these countries
Romania and Moldova lead in domestic pig outbreaks
Romania remains the most affected country in the commercial pig sector, with 104 outbreaks in domestic pigs in just the first three months of the year. By comparison, 215 cases were recorded in all of 2024.
Moldova has seen a sharp rise in outbreaks—from 13 cases in 2024 to 31 already in Q1 2025, marking an increase of over 200%. Other countries reporting domestic pig cases include Ukraine (12), Serbia (12), Bosnia and Herzegovina (7), Croatia (1), and Italy (1).
Several countries that reported outbreaks last year—such as Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, North Macedonia, and Poland—have not yet reported any domestic pig cases in 2025.
Comparison of domestic pig outbreaks in Q1 2025 vs. 2024 totals for affected countries
Despite this, ASF activity among wild boar remains high, posing a persistent threat to livestock production in the region and calling for ongoing efforts in biosecurity and disease monitoring.
Useful for Producers: Online Course on ASF
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders together with leading industry experts offers a specialized online course, “African Swine Fever — Everything the Business Needs to Know,” available on the AgriAcademy educational platform.
The course is designed for owners, managers, and employees of pig farms, as well as other industry stakeholders who seek to minimize risks associated with African swine fever (ASF) and protect their businesses from critical losses.
During the course, participants will gain:
- up-to-date knowledge on the nature of ASF and the mechanisms of its spread;
- an understanding of key risk factors and the findings of recent research;
- practical tools for assessing biosecurity risks at the farm level;
- clear action protocols in the event of suspected or confirmed outbreaks;
- recommendations on preventive measures and long-term farm protection;
- examples of practical experience from enterprises that have already faced ASF-related challenges.
Training format:
All materials are presented in the form of concise, well-structured video modules that can be viewed at any convenient time.
The course is free of charge, subject to prior registration.
You can join the course via the following link: https://courses.agriacademy.org/courses/course-v1:FAO+ASF+2024Q4/about