African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs but pose no risks to human health. Infected pigs often develop fever, weakness, loss of appetite, skin hemorrhages, and, in many cases, sudden death. Mortality rates can reach 100 percent, making ASF one of the most devastating diseases in pig populations.

The economic and social impacts of ASF are severe, particularly in regions where pig farming is key for income and nutrition. High mortality rates and the need for mass culling result in significant financial losses for farmers, while trade restrictions further disrupt markets and limit exports. Smallholder farmers, who often lack the resources to recover from outbreaks, face increased poverty and instability. ASF also threatens biodiversity, spreading among wild pig populations and disrupting ecosystems.

The ASF virus spreads through direct contact with infected pigs and contaminated materials, including feed, farm equipment, clothing, and vehicles. With no effective vaccine or treatment, prevention is the only viable control strategy. Strengthening biosecurity, maintaining strict farm hygiene, limiting pig movement, and ensuring safe feed practices are essential measures to contain the disease. Early detection, surveillance, and rapid response are also critical in mitigating outbreaks and protecting pig farming communities worldwide

FAO's role

FAO works globally to prevent, detect, and control ASF, reducing its impact on food security, livelihoods, and trade. Through coordination, technical support, and research, FAO helps countries implement science-based strategies to manage ASF effectively.

• Global coordination and policy guidance: FAO leads the Global Initiative for the Control of ASF (2020-2025), in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) under the Global Framework for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs). It provides policy guidance and technical support to governments, helping countries strengthen ASF surveillance, prevention, and biosecurity regulations while ensuring a coordinated international response.
• Surveillance and early detection: to improve ASF monitoring, FAO supports early warning systems, rapid response mechanisms, and risk assessments. It enhances laboratory capacities and provides training to ensure early detection and containment of the virus before it spreads further.
• Biosecurity and disease prevention: FAO promotes practical and cost-effective biosecurity measures, especially for resource-limited settings. It works with governments and communities to reduce pig-to-pig transmission, improve farm hygiene, and prevent ASF outbreaks at both local and national levels.
• Capacity building and knowledge sharing: FAO provides training, workshops, and educational materials for veterinarians, farmers, and policymakers to strengthen ASF prevention and response. It collaborates with governments and institutions to improve technical expertise and preparedness, ensuring that countries can better manage ASF risks.
• Research and innovation: FAO supports evidence-based decision-support tools, diagnostic tools, and studies on disease transmission. By advancing scientific research and innovative solutions, FAO helps countries strengthen their long-term ASF prevention and control strategies.
• Emergency response and risk management: during ASF outbreaks, FAO provides technical assistance, outbreak management strategies, and farmer support. It helps affected regions develop containment plans while reducing economic losses and safeguarding pig production.

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