Global African Swine Fever Outbreaks Surge in January 2024: An Overview

The year 2024 began with a concerning increase in the number of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks worldwide. According to the latest information released by the Livestock and Veterinary Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, a total of 490 ASF cases were reported globally in January 2024. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the ASF outbreaks, highlighting the countries affected and the impact on domestic and wild pig populations.

ASF Outbreaks: A Global Concern

The ASF outbreaks in January 2024 affected various countries, including the Czech Republic, Latvia, Italy, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Croatia, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Greece, Montenegro, and South Korea. The outbreaks were categorized into two types: those involving domestic pigs and those affecting wild boars.

Overview of Specific Outbreaks:

On January 2nd, Latvia reported 10 cases of ASF among wild boars, while North Macedonia recorded 8 cases in wild boars. Italy reported 24 cases in wild boars on January 3rd, along with 1 case in domestic pigs in South Africa.

Hungary witnessed 26 cases of ASF in wild boars on January 5th and 10th, while Poland reported 17 cases on January 5th and 8th. Romania reported 6 cases in wild boars and 1 case in domestic pigs on January 5th.

On January 8th, Latvia reported 16 cases in wild boars, and the Czech Republic reported 1 case in wild boars. Croatia reported 4 cases in wild boars on January 9th.

Italy experienced 49 cases in wild boars on January 10th, and North Macedonia reported 4 cases in wild boars. On January 12th, Italy reported 1 case in domestic pigs, Romania reported 9 cases in wild boars and 2 cases in domestic pigs, and Poland reported 46 cases in wild boars.

Greece reported 1 case in domestic pigs and 1 case in wild boars on January 12th and 17th. On January 16th, Latvia reported 9 cases in wild boars. Montenegro reported 1 case in wild boars, and Bosnia and Herzegovina reported 6 cases in wild boars and 2 cases in domestic pigs on January 17th.

Hungary witnessed 15 cases in wild boars on January 18th. Poland reported 42 cases in wild boars, and Romania reported 10 cases in wild boars and 2 cases in domestic pigs on January 19th.

South Korea reported 2 cases in domestic pigs, and South Africa reported 3 cases in domestic pigs on January 22nd. Ukraine reported 1 case in domestic pigs, and Croatia reported 1 case in wild boars on January 23rd.

Italy reported 31 cases in wild boars, Latvia reported 17 cases in wild boars, and Greece reported 1 case in wild boars on January 24th. Hungary witnessed 15 cases in wild boars on January 25th and 30th.

On January 26th, Ukraine reported 1 case in wild boars and 1 case in domestic pigs, Romania reported 9 cases in wild boars and 5 cases in domestic pigs, and Croatia reported 1 case in wild boars. North Macedonia reported 1 case in domestic pigs and 30 cases in wild boars on January 26th and 30th.

Latvia reported 14 cases in wild boars on January 30th, and Italy reported 43 cases in wild boars on January 31st.

Global Efforts and Concerns:

These outbreaks have raised significant concerns among global authorities and organizations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The rapid spread of ASF poses a threat to the global pig industry, leading to economic losses and disruptions in food supply chains. International cooperation and stringent biosecurity measures are crucial in containing the further spread of ASF and protecting pig populations.

The surge in African swine fever outbreaks during January 2024 has alarmed the global community. With multiple countries reporting cases among both domestic pigs and wild boars, it is imperative to strengthen surveillance, implement strict biosecurity measures, and share information and expertise to mitigate the impact of ASF. Swift and coordinated actions are essential to protect the global pig industry and ensure food security in affected regions.