Relevant Biosecurity Measures To Prevent The Spread Of African Swine Fever In The Domestic Pig Production Sector In Serbia

Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) is currently the most important viral infectious disease affecting domestic pig production worldwide. The first case of ASF in Serbia was confirmed in 2019 in a backyards domestic pig population. Since then, numerous outbreaks in domestic pigs and wild boar have been reported throughout the country despite the efforts of the veterinary authorities to control the disease. The lack of an effective vaccine is one of the main constraints, and the only currently available option to prevent ASF infections is the application of biosecurity measures. However, in the currently prevailing extensive smallholder and backyards farming systems, farm biosecurity is largely non-existent. The aim of this review was to identify specific relevant biosecurity measures as the way to minimise ASF-risks factors and prevent disease spreading in the current pig production sector in Serbia. Moreover, the main risk factors for ASF spreading and transmission at the domestic/wild boar interface, biosecurity practices in different production systems, and possible future control measures are discussed. The identified relevant biosecurity measures as well as risk factors need to be strictly addressed in order to prevent further ASF spread in Serbian pig production sector.