ASF outbreaks in the EU down by 83%

The number of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks among domestic pigs in the European Union fell sharply in 2024. According to EFSA’s latest annual epidemiological report, 333 outbreaks were recorded, compared to 1,929 the previous year. That represents a drop of 83%. The decline is mainly due to fewer outbreaks in Romania and Croatia. As a result, the EU now has the lowest number of ASF outbreaks in pigs since 2017.

The number of affected Member States also decreased for the first time since 2014, falling from fourteen to thirteen. Sweden was declared disease-free, and no new countries reported infections.

Smaller farms hit hardest

Most Member States experienced only sporadic outbreaks. Romania accounted for 66% of the total. The report also shows that 78% of the outbreaks occurred at sites with fewer than one hundred pigs.

The number of outbreaks among wild boar has remained stable since 2022. EFSA notes that 30% of wild boar cases were reported in Poland.

Focus on passive surveillance

In 2024, Member States analysed more pig samples through passive surveillance. This method involves investigating only suspected cases. It accounted for around 80% of outbreaks in domestic pigs, and 70% of wild boar cases. EFSA recommends continuing with this approach and advises systematic sampling of dead pigs in areas and periods considered to be at risk.

Efsa.europa.eu