African Swine Fever (ASF) — Special Biosecurity Measures

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease of pigs. There is currently no vaccine or treatment available anywhere in the world. Once a pig is infected, it almost always dies within days. In India, ASF was first officially confirmed in 2020 in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and has since spread to several northeastern and other states (ICAR-NRC on Pig, 2021; DAHD, Government of India, 2021).

The virus spreads through contact with infected pigs or their blood, contaminated food (especially pork scraps or kitchen waste), contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, and even ticks (Ornithodoros spp.) (OIE, 2022).

Key Signs of ASF to Watch For

• Sudden high fever (above 40.5°C) in one or more pigs

• Red or blue discolouration of skin, especially ears, abdomen, and legs

• Sudden death without obvious cause

• Loss of appetite, weakness, difficulty breathing

• Bleeding from nose or mouth, diarrhoea with blood

• Abortion in pregnant sows

(ICAR-NRC on Pig, 2020; OIE, 2022)

Specific Biosecurity Measures to Prevent ASF

a) Strict "All-In, All-Out" System

ICAR and FAO both recommend that pig farmers follow an "all-in, all-out" management system — meaning all pigs in a pen should enter and leave the pen at the same time. This prevents older pigs from infecting younger batches (FAO, 2020)

b) Prohibit Feeding Kitchen Waste or Restaurant Scraps

One of the most important risk factors for ASF is "swill feeding" — feeding pigs cooked or raw kitchen waste, hotel waste, meat scraps, or pork products. The ASF virus can survive for months in frozen or processed pork. Even one piece of infected pork in feed can wipe out an entire farm (FAO, 2020; DAHD, India, 2021).

ICAR strictly advises against swill feeding under any circumstances. Feed only certified commercial pig feed or properly grown farm-based grain and vegetables.

c) Control Movement of Vehicles and Persons

• Spray tyres and underbody of all incoming vehicles with 2% NaOH or bleach before they enter the farm

• Maintain a visitor record — note name, contact, farm visited before, and date

• Do not allow trucks or persons who have recently visited a pig market or another pig farm to enter your farm directly

• Farm workers should not visit other pig farms or pig markets

(ICAR-NRC on Pig, 2020)

d) Control of Wildlife and Feral Pigs

Wild boar and feral pigs are natural carriers of ASF virus. Never allow wild pigs to contact your farm pigs. Use strong fencing around the farm perimeter. Ticks can also spread ASF, so tick control on pigs is important (OIE, 2022)

e) Reporting and Emergency Response

If you suspect ASF on your farm, do the following immediately:

• Do not move any pig out of the farm

• Inform the nearest veterinarian and Animal Husbandry Officer without delay

• Provide blood samples or tissue samples from dead pigs as guided by the veterinarian

• Cooperate with government authorities for disease investigation and control

• Keep records of all pigs, mortality, movement, and purchases

(DAHD, Government of India, 2021; ICAR-NRC on Pig, 2020)