Emerging diseases in pigs

The risk to the pig industry from exotic and emerging diseases is at its highest level since 2001. Use this information to access the latest advice and guidance.

African swine fever (ASF) has spread across Europe and throughout China, while Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) remains present in Eastern Europe, Canada and is endemic in America.

In addition to these new threats, there is still a risk from foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever.

Outbreaks of notifiable disease do serious harm to the industry and can potentially lead to closure of export markets.

Here we provided an overview of emerging diseases and how to spot and tackle them.

ASF is a virus that affects pigs and wild boar. It is well-established in parts of Europe, Russia and China. Mortality rates may be as high as 100%. There has never been an outbreak of ASF in Great Britain, however the focus must be on ensuring ASF does not spread further with tight biosecurity protocols.

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) is a coronavirus that infects the cells lining the small intestine of a pig, resulting in severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It is also a notifiable disease that you are legally obliged to report.

Swine dysentery is a bacterial disease of pigs caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. It causes diarrhoea and weight loss, which severely limits productivity. It is a particular threat to farms selling pigs for breeding.

Understand the systematic ongoing collection, collation and analysis of data and the sharing of information so that action can be taken to address disease outbreaks.

An extension of the original Swine Dysentery Charter, the Significant Diseases Charter has important role in sharing information quickly in the event of an outbreak to make the control of disease faster and more effective.