SHIC Closely Observing ASF Outbreak in Germany

Confirmation of African swine fever (ASF) on three farms in eastern Germany, where restriction zones already exist, was widely reported in industry press the week of July 12, 2021. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) confirmed the diagnoses.  The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) continues to monitor the situation and will have detailed information in the August Global Swine Disease Monitoring Report to be published in the Center’s newsletter on August 4, 2021. All three affected farms are near the border with Poland.

Per press reports, the largest farm had 200 pigs and all were culled after the diagnosis. This was an organic farm and sows were able to be outdoors, therefore assumed to be at greater risk of contracting ASF due to the virus’s prevalence in wild boar. The second and third locations had two pigs and four pigs respectively.

These are the first cases of ASF in domestic pigs in Germany, however, it has been prevalent in wild board in the nation near neighboring Poland. German agricultural officials have responded to the outbreak with pleas for continued strict biosecurity and diligence.

 SHIC, launched in 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, continues to focus efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response to novel and emerging swine disease for the benefit of US swine health. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. SHIC is funded by America’s pork producers to fulfill its mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Sundberg at [email protected].