ASF outbreaks in India: mass culling, transport bans, and emergency compensation
In Assam, the number of ASF cases among pigs is rising sharply once again. The first ASF outbreaks in India were recorded in this state in 2020, and since then the virus has repeatedly resurfaced.
A recently confirmed outbreak in Tinsukia district prompted authorities to impose strict disease-control measures. Within a 1-km radius of the outbreak, full culling of pigs is underway, while enhanced veterinary control and surveillance have been introduced within 10 km. Residents have been urged to refrain from consuming pork, although the virus does not pose a risk to human health.
Due to the rapid spread of the disease, the state government announced a ban on the movement of live pigs between districts and prohibited pork sales in seven districts. Authorities have requested 140 million rupees (US$1.6 million) from the central government to compensate affected farmers. Several districts — including Sivasagar, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, and Lakhimpur — are reported to be in critical condition.
In Manipur, ASF is also spreading. Outbreaks have been confirmed on three farms in the Kakching and Churachandpur districts. To contain the disease, the government has deployed 60 rapid response teams and imposed transport restrictions.
Philippines: stricter import rules and closure of retail outlets
Authorities in the Philippines tightened controls after ASF was detected in pork sold in Quezon City stores. As a result, 14 roasted pork outlets were temporarily shut down.
In parallel, the government introduced new pork import regulations based on the WOAH regionalization system, allowing imports from ASF-free zones of approved exporting countries. Checkpoints have also been reinforced.
Taiwan: heavy fines for receiving parcels containing pork products
Following Taiwan’s first and only ASF outbreak, authorities have intensified preventive measures. Recipients of parcels containing pork products from abroad will face:
- fines of up to NT$200,000 (US$6,400) for a first offense;
- up to NT$1 million for repeat violations.
Fines will be imposed even if recipients claim they were unaware of the parcel’s contents.
South Korea: new ASF cases in wild boar
Another 12 wild boar in Gangwon Province have tested positive for ASF. Since 2019, the country has detected 4,282 such cases.
Europe: outbreaks in Romania, Estonia, Moldova, and Serbia
Between November 6 and 12, Europe recorded 17 new ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs:
- Romania — 15;
- Estonia — 1;
- Moldova — 1.
Since the beginning of the year, 866 outbreaks have been registered in the EU and neighboring countries. The leading countries are:
- Romania — 432;
- Serbia — 219;
- Croatia — 53.
The number of cases in wild boar is even higher — 9,218 since January 2025. The highest numbers were recorded in:
- Poland — 2,951,
- Germany — 1,909,
- Latvia — 1,061.
New cases were also confirmed in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Hungary, North Macedonia, Italy, and Serbia.
In Germany, despite Europe’s high overall ASF burden, the number of infected wild boar has decreased for three consecutive months. However, hunters and farmers are reminded to maintain strict biosecurity.
ASF remains a critical global challenge
Recent outbreaks across Asia and Europe highlight:
- the persistence of the virus in wild populations,
- significant risks to commercial pig farms,
- major economic losses for countries with developed pork industries,
- the urgent need for stronger cross-border controls and improved biosecurity.
ASF continues to shape the key global risks for the pork sector, especially amid active international trade and livestock movement.
PigUA.info based on materials from feedstrategy.com