Pig producers encouraged to plan ahead as ASF threat remains
7th January 2026
Following recent outbreaks of swine fever in Spain, UK pig producers are being urged to maintain strong biosecurity measures and ensure robust contingency plans are in place.
Julian Sparrey, group technical director at Livetec Systems, said that the outbreaks reinforce the importance of preparedness, even though the immediate risk to UK pig farms remains unchanged.
“The cases in Spain are part of the ongoing ASF situation across Europe. They highlight the potential impact an outbreak could have here and why producers must stay one step ahead of ASF and other disease threats.”
If ASF were to enter the UK, pig units within restriction zones could face a minimum of 40 days without pig movement. Mr Sparrey stresses the importance of understanding what this would mean in practice, including space availability, pig flow and staffing.
“Pressure-testing contingency plans now is critical to business resilience and to regaining disease freedom as quickly as possible,” he added.
Mr Sparrey also noted that the most likely route of ASF entering the UK would be through contaminated, illegally imported or undeclared meat.
‘Small, practical improvements can make a significant difference’
To minimise the risk of on-farm spread, the expert advises producers to review all potential transmission routes, including vehicle movements, hygiene protocols, pig-to-pig contact and site layout.
“Effective biosecurity doesn’t always require major investment. Small, practical improvements can make a significant difference if they’re consistently applied,” he explained.
Mr Sparrey also highlighted the need for greater awareness of wild boar and other pig populations as a potential transmission route. Nose-to-nose contact could create pathways that are difficult to monitor and control.
He said: “While ASF poses no risk to human health, it is highly contagious among pigs. Measures such as double fencing to prevent incursions may be justified in higher-risk areas.”
Rare breed pig owners are also encouraged to register their animals and ensure suitable quarantine facilities are in place, which may help protect them from culling if the epidemiological situation allows.
Throughout the year, AHDB, in partnership with Livetec Systems and the National Pig Association (NPA), has hosted vet-led workshops to support ASF preparedness. Mr Sparrey encourages producers to seek external assessments of their biosecurity and contingency planning.
“It can be difficult to spot vulnerabilities on your own farm,” he says. “Regular biosecurity reviews allow producers to make steady improvements. We have time now, and we should use it,” he concluded.
For further advice on ASF and biosecurity visit:
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/biosecurity-on-pig-farms
https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/african-swine-fever
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