European Re-emergence Highlights High Risk for Scottish Pig Sector
A new assessment (APHA Report #40) has confirmed that African Swine Fever (ASF) remains an evolving threat to the Scottish pig industry. With the virus re-emerging in previously "clean" areas of Germany and ongoing outbreaks in Spain, Scottish keepers are urged to review their biosecurity and contingency plans immediately.
Key Developments in Europe
- Germany Re-emergence: Saxony, which was declared ASF-free in February 2026, lost its status on April 1 after a new case was detected in wild boar. Cases also continue in Western Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia).
- Spanish Outbreaks: Authorities in Catalonia are still managing multiple outbreaks in wild boar, implementing intensive population control and fencing to prevent spread into domestic herds.
- Transmission Insights: A recent study in Romania reveals that 60% of farm infections originate from other farms, while 27% come from wild boar. The study also proposed that around 40% of infections to wild boars originated on farms which underscores the importance of preventing contact between farms and between farms and wild boar (via people, vehicles, or equipment), with good biosecurity including fencing.
What This Means for Scotland
The Scottish Government updated its biosecurity guidance on March 27, 2026, emphasizing that "human-mediated" spread is the single biggest threat to our national herd.
Strict Import Controls: The EU-wide ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products (introduced December 2025) remains in place for Scotland. Ensure all staff and seasonal workers are aware that bringing meat or dairy products from affected regions is illegal and carries a high risk of introducing the virus.
Action Points for Scottish Keepers
- Stop the Scraps: It is strictly illegal to feed catering waste, kitchen scraps, or any pork products to pigs. The ASF virus is resilient and can survive for months in processed meat.
- Check APHA and ScotEID have the right details: If you are PRIMO registered make sure to let APHA know if you alter your source of pigs.
- Visitor & Staff Audits: Check that no one entering your premises has had contact with pigs or wild boar in other countries. Provide site-specific protective clothing and boots. Record all contacts with the farm (bedding and feed deliveries, pest control) with contact details. This is essential for tracing if issues arise.
- Think about vehicles and pig transport: Could a visiting lorry be bringing in muck from another site? Would your site spread muck to another farm? Make sure that vehicles enter and leave your farm clean on the outside, and only load stock into clean vehicles.
- Feral Pig Vigilance: Be particularly cautious if your unit is near known feral pig populations. Consider double-fencing to prevent nose-to-nose contact.
- Know the Signs: Watch for high fever, loss of appetite, and sudden death. Talk to your vet first if you have concerns.
How to Report in Scotland
ASF is a notifiable disease. If you suspect a case, you must report it immediately to your local APHA Field Services Office.
Inverness - 03000 600709
Inverurie - 03000 600708
Perth - 03000 600704
Ayr - 03000 600703
Galashiels - 03000 600711
For general Scottish inquiries, contact: 03000 600 704 or email APHA.Scotland@apha.gov.uk
Learn more about biosecurity on gov.scot