The next issue will be distributed on 1 April 2021.
Information provided herein is current as of the date of issue. Information added since the last ASF China situation update appears in red. For cases with unknown onset date, reporting date was used instead. FAO compiles information drawn from multiple national (Ministries of Agriculture or Livestock, Local governments and international sources (World Organisation for Animal Health [OIE]), as well as peer-reviewed scientific articles. FAO makes every effort to ensure, but does not guarantee, accuracy, completeness or authenticity of the information. The designation employed and the presentation of material on the map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory or sea area, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers.
Hazard: African swine fever (ASF) is a viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar with up to 100% case fatality rate.
ASF reported administrative areas since August 2018:
China: Anhui, Heilongjiang, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanxi, Yunnan, Hunan, Guizhou, Hubei, Jiangxi, Fujian, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Guangdong, Gansu, Shandong and Hainan Provinces, Tianjin, Chongqing, Shanghai and Beijing Municipalities, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia Hui, Guangxi Zhuang, Xinjiang Uygur and Tibet (Xizang) Autonomous Regions and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).
Mongolia: Bulgan, Darkhan-Uul, Dundgovi, Orkhon, Selenge, Töv Provinces and Ulaanbaatar.
Viet Nam: All provinces and municipalities.
Cambodia: Ratanakiri, Tboung Khmum, Svay Rieng, Takeo and Kandal Provinces.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea: Chagang-Do.
Lao People’s Democratic Republic: All provinces and municipality.
Myanmar: Shan, Kachin, Kayah States and Sagaing Region.
The Philippines: Albay, Aurora, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Leyte, North Cotabato, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Sarangani, Sorsogon, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Zambales Provinces and Metro Manila (Caloocan, Malabon and Quezon Cities).
Republic of Korea: Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do and Incheon City.
Timor-Leste: All districts.
Indonesia: North Sumatra, Riau, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, Bali, and East Nusa Tenggara Provinces.
Papua New Guinea: Southern Highlands, Enga, Hela, Western Highlands and Jiwaka Provinces.
India: Assam State.
Disputed territory: Arunachal Pradesh.
Malaysia: Sabah State.
Map 1. ASF situation in Asia (for the past 10 weeks)
Click to enlarge - Source: China: MARA, Viet Nam: WAHIS & media information, Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Timor-Leste: WAHIS and government websites, Other: WAHIS.
Mongolia
Since its first report on 15 January 2019, 11 outbreaks in 6 provinces and in Ulaanbaatar have been reported, involving 105 farms/households. More than 3 115 pigs, more than 10 percent of the total pig population in Mongolia, have died/been destroyed due to the ASF outbreaks [reference].
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Since the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the occurrence of the first ASF outbreak in Chagang-do on 23 May 2019 [reference].
Republic of Korea
Since the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) confirmed the first ASF outbreak on 17 September 2019, ASF was detected in 16 domestic pig farms: Gyeonggi-do (9), Incheon City (5), Gangwon-do (2). Since 9 October 2019 as of 16 March 2021, a total of 1 229 ASFV infected wild boars were confirmed in: Gyonggi-do: Paju (98), Yeoncheon (374), Pocheon (63), Gapyeong (19); Gangwon-do: Cheorwon (35), Hwacheon (391), Chuncheon (110), Yanggu (53), Goseong (4), Inje (63), Yeongwol (10), Yangyang (8) and Gangneung (1) [reference].
China
Since the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) confirmed the first outbreak in Liaoning Province on 3 August 2018, ASF were detected in 32 Provinces/Autonomous Regions/Municipalities/Special Administrative Region. Media reported detection of a natural mutation in the ASFV was published in China. New cases of ASF were detected in Sichuan and Hubei provinces. In Hubei, ASF was dected at a highway checkpoint in Xiangyang city on a truck of piglets being transported illegally from another province on 1 March; in Sichuan, one outbreak occurred on 4 March in Aba prefecture in a domestic farm [reference1, reference2, reference3], and another on 8 March in pigs on a vehicle being illegally transported into Sichuan [reference4]. Detection of lower virulent ASF viruses from samples collected between June and December 2020 from domestic pigs in Hubei, Heilongjiang and Hebei Provinces was published. The lower virulent variants are found to be non-hemadsorbing (non-HAD) phenotype; two of them were tested in pigs and showed lower virulence and high transmissibility. Pigs inoculated with 103 TCID50 of HLJ/HRB1/20 (one of the non-HAD variants) presented mild clincal signs and all survived for the test duration of 28 days; the two contact pigs did not show clear disease signs till euthanized for necropsy on day 28 although viral DNA was detectable in the oral and rectal swabs, and in the blood of one pig [reference5].
The Philippines
Since the Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed the first ASF outbreak started on July 2019, ASF outbreaks have been reported on Luzon, Mindanao and Leyte Islands. In Leyte, ASF-hit piggeries are mostly owned by backyard pig raisers. Initial investigation showed that the ASF virus could have been transmitted to local farms in Leyte through infected boar being used for natural mating and by pig traders who may have fed their stocks with contaminated food products [reference1]. In Mindanao, in the City of Cagayan de Oro, and Initao, Manticao, Laguindingan, and Opol municipalities in Misamis Oriental province, a total of 3 555 pigs owned by 966 pig raisers have been culled since February 2021 [reference2].
Malaysia
Malaysia reported outbreaks of ASF in four backyard farms and ASF virus detection in five wildboar carcasses occurred between 8 and 11 February 2021 in three districts in Sabah state. This was the first time that ASF was confirmed in Malaysia [reference1, reference2]. Media reported that ASF has spread to five new districts in Sabah but the main commercial farms supplying most of the state’s pork remain ASF free, quoting statements from the Minister of Sabah state [reference3].
Indonesia
Since the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) confirmed an ASF outbreak in Indonesia, as of 6 March, the number of ASF infected areas in North Sumatra province reached 21 districts / cities [reference1]. On 19 February 2021, reports on 443 outbreaks ranging from West Sumatra province (December 2019) through Nusa Tenggara Timur Province were posted on OIE WAHIS. ASF is now confirmed on Java and Bali as well as Eastern Nusa Tenagga islands According to the report, the disease spread to 10 out of 34 Provinces in Indonesia [reference2]. Media reported that ASF is suspected in Bangka Belitung Islands province quoting the Head of the Bangka Regency Agriculture and Food Service [reference3].
Timor-Leste
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries announced the confirmation of ASF outbreak on 27 September 2019. The disease started on 9 September, and spread to all districts of the country by December 2019 [reference].
Papua New Guinea
The National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) confirmed four ASF outbreaks in four villages (Tubiri, Tente, Was and Pulum) in Mendi Munihu District, Southern Highlands Province (SHP) on 5 March 2020 [reference1, reference2]. Surveillance conducted in May 2020 showed that ASF has spread within the three Provinces (SHP, Hela and Enga Provinces) in a total of ten districts. In January 2021, ASF cases were confirmed in Western Highlands Province (WHP) and Jiwaka Province. These two provinces will be declared as diseased area, making the total number of infected provinces to five (Hela, SHP, Enga, WHP and Jiwaka Provinces).
Viet Nam
Since the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) confirmed its first ASF outbreak on 19 February 2019, all 63 provinces/cities experienced outbreaks. MARD reported that ASF caused a loss of about 6 million pigs, but by the end of 2020 the total sow has increased to 3 million, the total number of pigs reached over 26 million, equaling 85% of the pre-ASF level. Compared to before the epidemic, large livestock enterprises grew 160% [reference].
Map 2. Provinces where no new ASF outbreaks for more than 21 days (blue) in Viet Nam
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Since the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry confirmed the first ASF outbreak in Salavan Province on 20 June 2019, ASF outbreaks were reported in all 18 Provinces between May and November 2019. The second round started from June 2020, ASF was detected in 15 districts in 7 provinces.
Cambodia
Since the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) confirmed the first ASF outbreak in Ratanakiri Province on 2 April 2019, ASF outbreaks were detected in five provinces [reference1]. Media reported that ASF was found on 7 February 2021 in illegally imported pigs intercepted at two checkpoints in Banteay Meanchey province, quoting a statement from the ministry’s General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP) [reference2, reference3].
Myanmar
Since the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation confirmed the first ASF outbreak on 1 August 2019, a total of six ASF outbreaks were reported in Shan State, two in Sagaing Region and one each in Kachin and Kayah States [reference].
India
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced the confirmation of ASF outbreaks (Genotype II) in Assam State that occurred in January-April 2020 [reference1]. Meghalaya State confirmed ASF cases in three districts of East, West and South West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills districts [reference2]. In Manipur state, ASF has been reported in Salungpham area in Thoubal district and Nongmaiching Chingkhong area in Imphal East district [reference3]; and in Meghalaya State, a total of 540 pigs are affected due to ASF between June 2020 and February 2021 [reference4] according to media.
Disputed territory (Arunachal Pradesh)
Four ASF outbreaks that occurred between 26 January and 23 April 2020 in domestic pigs were reported in East Siang and Papum Pare districts [reference1]. According to media, wild boars also died in East Siang district and Upper Siang district [reference2] and a publication reported local people saw dead wild boars in the rivulets in Pasighat region [reference3].
Actions taken by the Republic of Korea
MAFRA announced to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent ASF spillover from wild boar to domestic pigs, since wild boar cases were detected outside of wider fence area: 1) control wild boar population, 2) remove contaminants, 3) reinforcement of basic farm biosecurity, and 4) movement control of live pigs and manure to block spread of ASF by dividing in 16 areas [reference1]. To be prepared for wild boars’ breeding season (April-May), MAFRA identified 18 districts as ASF control zone since October 2020 and enforced installion of eight biosecurity measures by May 2021 [reference2]. MAFRA announced to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent ASF spillover from wild boar to domestic pigs, since wild boar cases were detected outside of wider fence area: 1) control wild boar population, 2) remove contaminants, 3) reinforcement of basic farm biosecurity, and 4) movement control of live pigs and manure to block spread of ASF by dividing in 16 areas [reference1]. To be prepared for wild boars’ breeding season (April-May), MAFRA identified 18 districts as ASF control zone since October 2020 and enforced installion of eight biosecurity measures by May 2021 [reference2].
Actions taken by China
In August 2020, MARA released “Technical Guidelines for Normalized Prevention and Control of African Swine Fever (Trial version)" which include detail guidance on pig production, transportation, slaughter, and self-testing [reference1]. On 8 March 2021, MARA announced strict crack down of illegal ASF vaccines to ensure the recovery of pig production. The annoucement states that supervision and managment by the authorities shall be enhanced. People involved in fake vaccine related illegal activities will be punished [reference2]. After MARA organized the national video conference in February on major animal disease prevention and control work plan for 2021, and its prevention and control by zoning, emphasizing strictly crack down of illegal production/use of ASF vaccines, establish disease-free zones/compartment, and law-based disease control [reference3], many provinces hold similar meetings at province level. Among which, Sichuan province hold a video conference on 12 March, the authorities ordered strict supervision of transportation, a total prohibition of illegal pig transport from outside of the province, and strict investigation and punishment of illegal pig transport [reference4].
Figure 1. Number of ASF reported village* by region by onset month in China
Click to enlarge - * Including detection in live pigs in intercepted vehicles. For cases with unknown onset date, confirmation date or reporting date was used.
Source: Veterinary bureau, MARA, China.
Actions taken by the Philippines
The local authorities in the Philippines are mandated to strictly follow the National Zoning implementation and movement plan depending on the level of ASF risks [reference1]. The governments of Leyte, Malinao, and Antique have launched movement restrictions, setting up checkpoint, banning live pigs and/or pork products [reference2, reference3, reference4, reference5]. Sows have been distributed to pig raisers in ASF-free area to increase pork production as a part of Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) programme launched by DA [reference6]. To address national shortage, massive pig production program has been piloted in free-ASF areas in North Cotabato [reference7]. DA kicks off an aquaculture project in Quezon City converting pigpen to fish pond as an alternative livelihood for farmers affected by ASF [reference8]. DA urged the the private sector to help restock herds depleted by ASF, estimated the need for 225 000 breeding pigs [reference9]. As COVID-19 travel restrictions have been eased, Negros Oriental authorities will tighten border controls and safety protocols to guard the province against ASF outbreaks [reference10]. DA is also rolling out the “Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF)”, a community-based approach to prevent, control and manage ASF [reference11, reference12].
Actions taken by Malaysia
To response to the first confirmed outbreak in Sabah, the pigs tested postive for ASF, and pigs within 50 km from the affected area have been culled [reference1]. The authority of Sarawak is enforcing its import ban on pig, pork and pork products by tightening inspections at border gates and all entrances throughout Sarawk. Any violations would face either fine or jail [reference2, reference3]. Disease awareness campaigns has been carried out in 54 out of 182 villages in Pitas district, Sabah state [reference4].
Actions taken by Indonesia
On 17 December 2019, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) recommended the public the application of biosecurity and good management of pig farms as the main strategic steps to prevent ASF, as well as strict and intensive monitoring of high-risk areas [reference1]. In December 2019, the Livestock and Animal Health Services (DG PKH) formed Emergency Posts with Rapid Response Teams at all levels [reference2], in February 2020, the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services (DGLAHS) requested regional pig producers to raise awareness of the possible spread of ASF and strengthen ASF surveillance along pig value chains between regions [reference3]. Disposal of the dead pigs, cleansing and disinfection have been implemented in affected areas. The transportation of live pigs between areas and contaminated fomite from an animal handler, vehicle and animal remain the main risk for disease spread [reference4]. On 5 March, DGLAHS conducted an ASF socialization and awareness meeting with local government, pig farmers and relevant stakeholders in East Kalimantan [reference5].
Actions taken by Timor-Leste
After the first ASF outbreak in Timor-Leste, the government formed a taskforce team from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), Customs, Quarantine, Border Patrol Police, Immigration, and the Food Safety Authority (AIFAESA) and implemented a movement ban of pig and pork products between Municipalities [reference1]. The final report of the Australian project ‘Identifying husbandry options for smallholder pig farmers in Timor-Leste’ which was hit by ASF in the middle of implementation describes what was done to mitigate ASF risk [reference2]. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries prohibited slaughtering of ASF infected pigs for their own consumption, other animal’s consumption or for selling to the public, according to the media [reference3].
Actions taken by Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has implemented an emergency response action to contain the ASF outbreak in Southern Highlands, Enga and Hela provinces [reference]. NAQIA set up Road checkpoints at strategic provincial entry and exit points; conducted surveillance to determine the extent of the ASF spread; identified sentinel herds in the infected provinces; stepped up its ASF national risk communications and awareness campaign; and enhanced advocacy on ASF with communities, district and provincial administrations. ASF response work for affected provinces and preparedness activities for other non-infected provinces along the highway. Concerning the spread of ASF into lower highlands region, NAQIA has set up Checkpoints in Jiwaka and Chimbu provinces along the national highway [reference2]. NAQIA has engaged a national consultant organization to conduct data collection on pigs number, husbandry practices, people awareness of ASF and its effects on their livestock, in synergies with sentinel herd surveillance conducted by NAQIA Animal Health Officers. In January, the NAQIA team identified 50 farmers in the diseased and non-diseased Provinces. A total of 500 farmers from the five provinces (SHP, Hela, Enga, WHP and Jiwaka Provinces). Monthly surveillance, with sample collection and regular visit to farmers has been done as an active form of surveillance. The NAQIA team with CVO and partners including FAO formed the Task Force Group convened in December 2020, to develop the six-month work-plan (Jan - Jul 2021) outlining the actions required to control and manage the spread of ASF. (poster: © NIQIA)
Actions taken by Viet Nam
The "National Plan for the Prevention and Control of African Swine Fever for the period of 2020 - 2025" was endorsed on 7 July (972/QD-TTg) set goals for ASF control, pig farm biosecurity application and laboratory capacity development to be achieved; defined restocking conditions, sampling requirements, surveillance, conditions for culling and moving-to-slaughter [reference1]. MARD sent an Official Letter No.7258/BNN-TY to the People's Committees of 30 provinces and cities urging further disease control activities, vigilance and biosecurity [reference2].
Figure 2. Cumulative number of affected communes/week since Tet 2020 in Viet Nam
Actions taken by Lao People’s Democratic Republic
After ASF outbreaks confirmed in 2019, The Ministry designates Red Area around an outbreak, to control the movement of pig and pork products, and prohibits pork consumption; and yellow Area (3 km radius from the red areas) as designated surveillance zones. When ASF reemerged in June 2020, the Government has declared red zones and is implementing movement control of animals and their products, destruction, disinfection, active surveillance, etc. As of December 2020, all zones have been lifted.
Actions taken by Cambodia
Cambodia implemented movement control of live pigs, pork and pork products, stamping out, disposal and disinfection in affected villages [reference1]. In response to the recent ASF detection at border checkpoints, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries ordered authorities to cull all pigs in the area, according to media [reference2]. After detecting ASF in pigs being imported from neighboring country in mid-February, GDAHP is implementing ASF screening test on imported pigs using ‘Portable PCR’ at border quarantine stations before sending them to Phnom Penh and other provinces [reference3]. According to media news, only licenced companies will be allowed to import live pigs from Thailand. Besides the licence, the pigs to be imported must be accompanied with a certificate issued by the authorities denoting where the pigs come from and are being quarantined before their transportation into Cambodia, quoting a statement from GDAHP [reference4].
Actions taken by Myanmar
Myanmar implemented movement control of live pigs, surveillance within containment and/or protection zone, official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste, disinfection when ASF outbreak was detected and raise awareness on good animal husbandry practices and biosecurity. According to media, in response to the ASF outbreak, educational seminars in villages were conducted, leaflets were distributed in markets, and information were sent to all communities from the township management committee to stop the spread of the disease; no pigs had died since 25 November 2020 [reference].
Actions taken by India
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) released the Disease Control Strategy Plan in June 2020 as guidance for State / UT Governments for ASF prevention, control and containment [reference1]. In August 2020, following ASF outbreaks, Meghalaya state declared containment zones [reference2]. According to media, Manipur State Veterinary Department has formed its ASF task force, while Thoubal and Imphal East district administrations have banned sales and movement of pigs/pork, feeds and related items from the control/contaminated areas [reference3, reference4].
ASF virus can be transmitted through pork and pork products (raw/frozen/dried/under-cooked) in which the virus can survive for a long time. As Easter holiday is approaching, intensive border/customs control of passengers’ luggage is recommended. Warning signs should be placed clearly at the border/customs entry including airports and sea ports, stating the consequences of bringing pork and pork products from ASF-infected countries/regions, and instructing passengers to discard pork products in designated disposal places or to hand over to the customs personnel.
Countries of the region
National Considerations, Inter-Regional Collaboration and Solidarity