Understanding African Swine Fever (ASF): What Consumers Need to Know

Understanding African Swine Fever (ASF): What Consumers Need to Know

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar. While the disease can have a significant impact on pig populations and the livestock industry, it is important to understand one key fact: ASF does not infect humans and is not a food safety risk.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health¹ (WOAH) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), ASF cannot be transmitted to people through the consumption of pork or pork products. Consumers can therefore have confidence that pork produced and marketed under official veterinary controls remains safe to eat.

How Is ASF Managed?

Across the European Union, animal health authorities work closely with farmers, veterinarians, and the pork industry to monitor, prevent, and control ASF. These efforts include:

Continuous disease surveillance and early detection.
Strict biosecurity measures on pig farms.
Rapid response protocols when cases are detected.
Movement controls in affected areas to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Ongoing cooperation between national authorities and international organizations.

These measures help protect animal health while supporting confidence in the pork supply chain.

Protecting Animal Health Through Science-Based Measures

When ASF is detected, veterinary authorities implement targeted control measures based on scientific risk assessments rather than nationwide restrictions. Following the 2025 wild boar ASF outbreak in Spain, the relevant authorities implemented regionalized disease control measures, including movement restrictions in affected zones, enhanced surveillance, strengthened farm biosecurity, and intensified veterinary monitoring. These measures are designed to contain the disease while allowing disease-free regions to continue operating under strict veterinary supervision, in line with WOAH and European Union regionalization principles. The quick efforts of relevant authorities, who deployed 800 personnel to combat the outbreak, ensured for effective control of the disease across affected areas.²

Across the European Union, the principle of regionalization is applied in accordance with WOAH international standards. When ASF is detected in a specific area, disease control measures are limited to the affected zone rather than the entire country. This science-based approach helps protect animal health, minimizes unnecessary disruption to trade, and supports the continued operation of disease-free regions under strict official controls.

Quality and Safety Remain a Priority

European pork is produced under comprehensive regulations covering animal health, food safety, traceability, and veterinary inspections. These standards are designed to support responsible production practices and provide confidence throughout the supply chain—from farm to table.

Understanding ASF and the measures used to control it helps consumers make informed decisions based on facts and scientific evidence.

Source:

1African swine fever in Spain: epidemiological situation, laboratory findings and coordinated response – WOAH – Europe

2 Update on African swine fever in Spain: 42 outbreaks and 241 confirmed cases in Catalonia as of 01 Apr 2026. Authorities intensify surveillance, carcass searches, and containment measures to prevent further spread

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