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Prospective Case–Control Study of Determinants for African Swine Fever Introduction in Commercial Pig Farms in Poland, Romania, and Lithuania

Summary

This study examined how African swine fever gets introduced into commercial pig farms in Poland, Romania, and Lithuania. Researchers found that farms closer to other infected farms, farms growing crops that attract wild boar, and farms with inadequate biosecurity measures were more likely to have outbreaks. Simple protective measures like proper carcass disposal and installing insect screens on doors and windows significantly reduced disease risk.

Background

African swine fever (ASF) has spread globally since 2007, causing significant economic losses in pig production. While biosecurity breaches are known risk factors, the specific farm management practices that facilitate ASF introduction in commercial pig farms remain poorly understood. This prospective case-control study aimed to identify husbandry-related risk factors for ASF introduction in commercial pig farms across three Eastern European countries.

Objective

To identify specific husbandry-related risk factors for ASF virus (ASFV) introduction on commercial pig farms in Lithuania, Poland, and Romania, and to investigate the possible role of arthropod vectors in mechanical transmission through collection and testing of stable flies and biting midges.

Results

Forty-eight case farms and 88 control farms were analyzed. Consistent significant risk factors across models included proximity to domestic pig outbreaks and cultivation of crops attractive to wild boar near farms. Protective factors included carcass collection without premises entry and insect screens on doors/windows. Increased numbers of biting midges and application of manure from other holdings showed variable significance across models.

Conclusion

Farm location relative to ASF outbreaks and wild boar-pig interface management are key risk factors for ASF introduction in commercial farms. Several biosecurity measures provide protective effects. The findings offer practical guidance for farmers to reduce ASF introduction risk, though the role of arthropod-mediated transmission requires further clarification.
  • Published in:Transboundary and Emerging Diseases,
  • Study Type:Prospective Case-Control Study,
  • Source: PMC12122119, PMID: 40444281, DOI: 10.1155/tbed/5419764
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