Five years of African swine fever: review and current situation in Germany

Five years of African swine fever: review and current situation in Germany

What a shock: African swine fever (ASF) has caused a lot of excitement in Germany over the last five years. The disease was first registered on September 10, 2020 in Schenkendöbern, Spree-Neiße district, in a wild boar that was found dead. At that time, it quickly became apparent that ASF was harmless to humans, but posed an extreme threat to pigs. Since then, the losses among the animals have been enormous, especially in the new federal states. “web.de reports that over 400 cases were detected in the first year alone, and in 2021 the number rose to over 2,700, including the first infections in domestic pigs.

Things have changed a lot in recent years. After a decline in new infections in 2023, the numbers have been rising again since the summer of 2024 - especially in Hesse. The latest outbreak is worrying: the first cases were detected in North Rhine-Westphalia in mid-June 2025. This happened in a heavily forested area with a high density of wild boar, further complicating the situation.

Monitoring and measures

Detection of ASF is crucial. [FLI]. The points marked red and blue on the map of Europe show where domestic pigs and wild boars are affected. Since January 1, 2021, the maps have also been an important source of information for the overall situation in the EU. However, there is no guarantee for the accuracy of the data.

A key part of the fight is the establishment of restriction zones. Once an animal is diagnosed with ASF, a buffer zone is established and is monitored thoroughly. There are strict bans on the movement of pigs and pork in this zone. This poses significant economic challenges for the companies affected. The damage quickly adds up to millions of euros, especially because it is practically impossible to market animals from restricted zones.

The situation in Europe

The broader European perspective shows a somewhat more positive trend. According to EFSA, the number of affected EU Member States has fallen from 14 to 13, meaning Sweden has successfully defeated the disease. However, most outbreaks in the EU remain sporadic. Romania remains particularly affected, accounting for 66% of all outbreaks, with 78% registered in farms with fewer than 100 pigs.

It should be noted that monitoring animal populations in the areas concerned is of utmost importance. It was recommended to focus efforts on passive surveillance and to closely analyze increased mortality rates. The spread of ASF can only be effectively contained through consistent monitoring.

The situation remains reassuring for consumers. Consuming pork, even from ASF areas, is safe as long as strict marketing regulations are adhered to. However, it remains to be noted that the disease poses a serious threat to pig farming and each individual should do their part in biosecurity to prevent its spread.