African Swine Fever Spotlight: Exploring ASF
African Swine Fever (ASF) is an emerging threat to the world’s pig farmers. There is no cure and the mortality rate is extremely high in commercially farmed pigs.
ASF is on our doorstep. Across 2022 recent cases have been recorded in mainland Italy and further west into Germany. Despite being an Island nation, UK pig farmers should not be complacent. Biosecurity must be a priority.
This report shines a spotlight on African Swine Fever. It explains its origins, its resilience, how it spreads, the signs to look out for, and what you should do if you suspect an outbreak.
What you should know about African Swine Fever
It is critical that pig farmers, farm workers and those within the industry understand the disease. To know how the virus is spread, how tolerant it is, its survivability and most importantly how to defend your livestock from it.
Clinical indicators you should be aware on are:
- A high temperature or fever of 40°C or more
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Red or darkened snouts and ears
- Problems breathing
- Coughing
- Gummy eyes
- Stillbirths
- Weakness and lethargy including an inability to stand
- A loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Mitigating the risks of a disease incursion on your farm
With a disease such as African Swine Fever, the best protection is prevention. The alternative will be a devastating blow to a pig farmers business.
Livetec is building the future of biosecurity. We specialise in effective biosecurity solutions for all farm businesses. Our team of on-farm biosecurity experts have decades of experience providing solutions that will greatly reduce the risk and enhance disease prevention.
Our services include:
- Biosecurity advisory service
- Contingency plan
- Biosecurity plan
- Infected premises response plan
- National outbreak plan
- Cleaning and disinfection plan
Find out more about how the Livetec team can help you protect your business with our suite of bespoke biosecurity plans here.