Factors Affecting the Spread, Diagnosis, and Control of African Swine Fever in the Philippines

Abstract

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease that threatens the swine industry globally. Since its introduction into the Philippines in 2019, ASF has spread extensively in both commercial and backyard farms. Here, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, including conjoint and SWOT analyses, world café discussions, and multivariable regression models, the most important factors that influence the spread, diagnosis, and control of ASF in the Philippines were identified. Research findings suggest that swill or contaminated feed, inadequate biosecurity protocols, and movement of personnel were the top risk factors favoring ASF spread among farms in general. For commercial farms, contaminated vehicles and personnel were also important, whereas for backyard farms, the introduction of new pigs, environmental contamination, and poor feeding quality were relevant risk factors. Notable clinical signs of ASF in pigs include reduced feed intake, huddled behavior, and reluctance to stand. This study highlights the need for timely reporting, trust-building initiatives, and enhanced biosecurity measures to effectively manage ASF outbreaks in the country. Results here contribute to the knowledge of factors affecting ASF spread in the Philippines and can help design prevention and control measures in ASF-infected countries while enhancing preparedness in countries free from the disease.

Strategies for Transboundary Swine Disease Management in Asian Islands: Foot and Mouth Disease, Classical Swine Fever, and African Swine Fever in Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines

“…In backyard or smallholder settings, certain characteristics are notable in these countries. Firstly, there is a tendency to purchase live pigs of poor quality [ 36 ]. Additionally, the feeding of pigs with swill is a common practice, despite being prohibited or not recommended by the government.…”

“…While the Philippines has attempted to implement a progressive control strategy similar to that employed and improved upon in historical FMD control, the progress has been limited. The challenges encountered in controlling ASF in the country include a shortage of trained manpower, the intricacies of the swine value chain (lack of traceability), and the persistence of high-risk practices in specific farming sectors and live animal trade [36]. In Taiwan and Japan, the primary risk of ASF introduction is associated with border control inspections, as studies indicate ASFV can be detected in pork products brought by travelers [37][38][39][40].…”

African Swine Fever in the Philippines: A Review on Surveillance, Prevention, and Control Strategies

“…The implementation of Administrative Circular No. 12, Series of 2019 (National Zoning and Movement Plan for the Prevention and Control of African Swine Fever) was among the initial government responses to the ASF outbreak, designating different zones based on ASF risk levels [ 59 ]. The zoning and compartmentalization program of three different regions in the Philippines is based on disease status, protecting unaffected areas while controlling disease in infected areas.…”

“…Important risk factors in ASF spread, such as infected raw meat, pork products, environmental fomites, vertebrate or invertebrate hosts, contaminated feeds, and wild pigs, should also be monitored and included in the epidemiological model. In a conjoint analysis conducted by Hsu et al, swill or contaminated feed was reported to be the most significant factor influencing ASF spread in the Philippines [ 59 ]. Although wild boar or feral pigs are less likely to be associated with the ASF spread, ASF in wild boar may be under-reported in Asia [ 59 , 61 ].…”

Economic Losses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Based on Business Characteristics and Regional Policies in Indonesia and Japan

“…In connection with the handling of FMD in Japan and Indonesia, SWOT analysis was used to look at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats regarding conditions when the outbreak occurred in Japan in 2010 and in Indonesia in 2022. Similar research using SWOT analysis was also used during the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Philippines by Hsu et al (2023). This research gathered various perspectives on current conditions, diagnosis, and ASF control policies.…”