African Swine Fever: A Biosecurity Guide for Nepali Pig Farmers

Why African Swine Fever Is So Dangerous

African Swine Fever causes high fever, bluish skin discoloration, pigs huddling together in one spot, and coughing. The infection rate is high, and mortality can reach as much as 100%. The hardest part: there is still no vaccine against it, and no effective treatment once an animal is infected — which makes biosecurity the only reliable protection a farm has.

Biosecurity Rules That Actually Work

• Disinfect on entry, every time: Anyone entering the farm — visitors and staff alike — must disinfect properly before stepping in. No exceptions.
• Boil food waste before feeding: If pigs are fed kitchen scraps or food waste, boil it for at least half an hour first.
• Block contact with wild boar: Keep wild boar and feral pigs from ever coming into direct contact with your domestic herd.
• Control farm traffic: Restrict unnecessary movement of people and vehicles onto the farm.
• Never sell a sick pig: Selling or distributing a sick or suspect animal is one of the fastest ways this disease jumps from farm to farm.

If You Suspect an Outbreak

The moment you see these symptoms — or hear that ASF has been confirmed nearby — tighten your farm's biosecurity immediately and notify your nearest livestock service branch, veterinary hospital, or animal service office without delay. Delaying or concealing a suspected case doesn't control it; fast reporting is what actually protects the wider pig-farming community in your area.

Milk and Meat From Antibiotic-Treated Animals

Whenever an animal is under antibiotic treatment for any illness, only sell or distribute its milk or meat after the drug's required withdrawal period has fully passed.