» Articles » PMID: 38110953

The First Outbreak of African Swine Fever in Sweden: a Survey of Pig Farmers' Perceptions of Information Received, Risks, Biosecurity Measures and Future Prospects

Overview
Journal Acta Vet Scand
Publisher Biomed Central
Date 2023 Dec 19
PMID 38110953
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Background: African swine fever (ASF), a viral hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boar with up to 100% case fatality, was confirmed in Swedish wild boar in September 2023. The responsible authorities launched a control programme to eradicate the infection. The aim of the current study was to understand (i) how Swedish pig farmers have perceived the information issued by authorities and other stakeholders since the discovery of ASF in wild boar, (ii) which risks they see for introducing the infection to their farm, (iii) what biosecurity measures they have taken on their farms, and (iv) their outlook on the future. Such information is important for evaluating the effectiveness of the early stages of ASF control in Sweden. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to members of the Swedish pig producers' organisation.

Results: A total of 155 farmers responded to the survey (response rate 36%). Almost all respondents had received general information about ASF (91%, n = 138), and 72% (n = 109) had received information about how they can protect their farm from ASF introduction. A majority (87%, n = 118) thought the information was easy to understand, 90% (n = 137) that is was relevant, and 77% (n = 117) that they currently did not lack any information. If given the resources necessary, 58% (n = 84) of the farmers would like to take additional measures such as fencing, and heavily reduce or eradicate the wild boar population. Wild boars were considered the greatest risk for introduction of ASF into their herd (39%, n = 57), followed by people (30%, n = 44), and transports (16%, n = 23). Many farmers (66%, n = 88) had a positive outlook on the future, and 89% (n = 127) have not changed their plans for the future since the ASF outbreak.

Conclusions: The responding farmers were in general satisfied with the information received in the beginning of the ASF outbreak. The majority have a positive outlook on the future and the outbreak has not caused them to change their plans. Actions that were highlighted as important to safeguard Sweden's pig production included measures to control the wild boar population.

Citing Articles

Enhancing infection control practices and biosecurity plans on Swedish pig farms: insights, challenges, and strategies.

Rajala E, Grondal H, Eriksson J, Lewerin S Acta Vet Scand. 2024; 66(1):48.

PMID: 39261945 PMC: 11391622. DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00771-9.


Genetic Characterization of African Swine Fever Italian Clusters in the 2022-2023 Epidemic Wave by a Multi-Gene Approach.

Giammarioli M, Torresi C, Biccheri R, Camma C, Marcacci M, Dondo A Viruses. 2024; 16(8).

PMID: 39205159 PMC: 11360507. DOI: 10.3390/v16081185.


Perceptions and practices of Swedish wild boar hunters in relation to African swine fever before the first outbreak in Sweden.

Chenais E, Ernholm L, Brunzell A, Mard K, Svensson L, Lindahl J BMC Vet Res. 2024; 20(1):320.

PMID: 39020344 PMC: 11253465. DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04183-9.

References
1.
Penrith M . African swine fever. Onderstepoort J Vet Res. 2009; 76(1):91-5. View

2.
Pudenz C, Schulz L, Tonsor G . Adoption of Secure Pork Supply Plan Biosecurity by U.S. Swine Producers. Front Vet Sci. 2019; 6:146. PMC: 6546718. DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00146. View

3.
Dione M, Dohoo I, Ndiwa N, Poole J, Ouma E, Amia W . Impact of participatory training of smallholder pig farmers on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding biosecurity for the control of African swine fever in Uganda. Transbound Emerg Dis. 2020; 67(6):2482-2493. PMC: 7754142. DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13587. View

4.
Licoppe A, De Waele V, Malengreaux C, Paternostre J, Van Goethem A, Desmecht D . Management of a Focal Introduction of ASF Virus in Wild Boar: The Belgian Experience. Pathogens. 2023; 12(2). PMC: 9961158. DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020152. View

5.
Bergmann H, Schulz K, Conraths F, Sauter-Louis C . A Review of Environmental Risk Factors for African Swine Fever in European Wild Boar. Animals (Basel). 2021; 11(9). PMC: 8465043. DOI: 10.3390/ani11092692. View