The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published new recommendations on the use of vaccines against African swine fever (ASF). The document outlines 11 key principles for veterinary authorities, competent agencies, and industry stakeholders considering the implementation of vaccination programmes against one of the most devastating diseases affecting the swine sector.
The recommendations place particular emphasis on evaluating vaccine effectiveness under field conditions and conducting post-vaccination monitoring. WOAH stresses that vaccination should form part of a comprehensive ASF control strategy and cannot replace traditional prevention measures.
Before launching vaccination programmes, countries are advised to clearly define their objectives, whether reducing mortality, decreasing the number of outbreaks, limiting virus spread, or restoring disease-free status.
In addition, WOAH recommends conducting randomized controlled field trials under commercial production conditions before registering new vaccines. Obtaining farmers’ consent and involving independent experts in evaluating results are considered essential components of the process.
Following vaccine deployment, authorities are encouraged to implement robust post-vaccination surveillance, including monitoring for adverse reactions, assessing vaccine effectiveness, and tracking potential changes in circulating virus strains.
WOAH also underlines that even with effective vaccines available, biosecurity, movement controls, and disease surveillance remain the cornerstone of ASF prevention and control.
Poland reports a new ASF outbreak on a large commercial farm
As discussions around vaccination continue, Europe is still facing new ASF outbreaks.
Poland has confirmed its first ASF outbreak in domestic pigs after a break of more than six months. The disease was detected on a commercial farm in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship housing approximately 21,400 pigs.
Veterinary authorities have already initiated standard disease control measures, including culling, carcass disposal, disinfection, and movement restrictions.
Although the source of infection has not been officially identified, the region has recently reported a significant number of ASF cases in wild boar populations.
137 ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs recorded across Europe
According to the European Commission, as of 20 May 2026, 137 ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs had been confirmed across ten European countries.
The highest numbers were reported in:
- Romania — 85 outbreaks;
- Serbia — 30 outbreaks;
- Moldova — 11 outbreaks.
Additional cases have recently been reported in Slovakia, Ukraine, and Poland.
In Ukraine, the latest outbreak was recorded in Poltava region, affecting a group of 86 pigs. The previous ASF outbreak in the region had been reported in December 2024.
Most recent outbreaks in Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine have occurred in small backyard holdings.
Wild boar cases approach 5,000
The situation in wild boar populations remains equally concerning.
According to the European Animal Disease Information System, 4,869 ASF cases in wild boar have been reported across 17 European countries since the beginning of 2026.
The highest numbers have been recorded in:
- Poland — 1,245 cases;
- Lithuania — 775;
- Italy — 629;
- Germany — 505;
- Hungary — 440;
- Latvia — 350.
During the past two weeks alone, Poland, Germany, Lithuania, and Italy have reported the largest numbers of new cases.
EFSA reports worsening ASF situation in the EU
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), in its review of 2025, reported a significant deterioration in the ASF situation across the European Union.
Compared with the previous year, ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs increased by 76%, while cases in wild boar rose by 44%.
In total, the EU recorded 585 ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs and more than 11,000 cases in wild boar during 2025.
Particular attention has been drawn to the re-emergence of ASF in Spain after a long absence. All cases were detected in Catalonia, and the virus strain differed from those circulating elsewhere in Europe.
Another major concern has been the spread of ASF into North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, a federal state that had previously remained free of the disease.
At the same time, the Czech Republic and southern regions of Italy have officially succeeded in eradicating ASF from their wild boar populations.
United Kingdom strengthens ASF preparedness
In response to the evolving disease situation in Europe, the UK government has introduced an updated contingency strategy for both African and Classical Swine Fever.
The new framework includes additional restriction zones and a more flexible system for controlling animal and product movements. Authorities believe the approach will enable faster responses to outbreaks while minimizing disruption to farming operations.
Asia remains under ASF pressure
Beyond Europe, ASF continues to challenge producers across Asia.
Bhutan has confirmed a new ASF outbreak on a farm in Chukha district after a three-month disease-free period. Authorities linked the outbreak to insufficient biosecurity and the use of improperly treated food waste for pig feeding.
In the Philippines, the situation has shown signs of improvement, with active outbreaks remaining in only eight municipalities across five regions as of early May.
Meanwhile, authorities in India’s Nagaland state have intensified control measures following the detection of a new outbreak in Dimapur district.
Despite progress in vaccine development and increased international cooperation, ASF remains one of the most significant threats to global pig production. Experts stress that successful disease control will require a combination of vaccination, strict biosecurity, effective surveillance, and international coordination.
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