According to the study, around 60% of ASF infections in pig farms are associated with transmission from other infected farms. At the same time, approximately 27% of cases are linked to contact with infected wild boar populations, highlighting their important role in maintaining virus circulation.
The researchers emphasize that these figures are based on mathematical modelling and represent the relative contribution of different transmission routes rather than a combined total.
Importantly, the study also confirms the bidirectional nature of ASF spread. In wild boar populations, about 40% of infections can be traced back to nearby infected pig farms, underscoring the close epidemiological link between wildlife and commercial pig production.
The analysis is based on data from the first wave of the ASF epidemic in Romania in 2018 and integrates farm census data, environmental factors and outbreak records to reconstruct likely transmission pathways.
The findings confirm that effective ASF control requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond farm-level measures and addresses risks at the wildlife–livestock interface, particularly through strengthened biosecurity.
At the same time, experts stress that awareness among producers and staff remains a key factor in ASF prevention. To address this, the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders, together with leading industry experts, has developed the online course “African swine fever — everything business needs to know”, available on the AgriAcademy platform. The programme covers virus transmission, diagnostics and practical biosecurity measures, consists of five modules with practical assignments, and provides participants with a certificate upon completion.
You can enroll in the course here:
https://courses.agriacademy.org/courses/course-v1:FAO+ASF+2024Q4/about
PigUA.info based on materials from pigprogress.net