Key result
Swill feeding, informal trade, and poor biosecurity are linked to worsening African swine fever in Nepal.
Why the study?
African swine fever has emerged as a major threat to Nepal's pig farming sector, causing significant declines in pig population and pork production.
The study outlines the epidemiology and socio-economic impact of African swine fever in Nepal, providing targeted recommendations for disease control and prevention to protect the rural pig farming sector.
May guide ASF control policies in Nepal; leaves open prospective validation of infrastructure upgrades.
African swine fever (ASF) has emerged as a major threat to Nepal's pig farming sector since its first outbreak in March 2022. The disease has caused significant declines in both the pig population and pork production, severely affecting rural communities reliant on pig farming for their livelihoods. ASF's spread is facilitated by key risk factors, including swill feeding, informal cross-border trade, and poor on-farm biosecurity measures. Additionally, seasonal trends, particularly during the monsoon, exacerbate the spread of the disease, especially in areas with high pig density. Control efforts face numerous challenges, including limited veterinary infrastructure, inadequate surveillance systems, gaps in legislation, and a lack of awareness among farmers about biosecurity practices. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of ASF's epidemiology in Nepal, exploring the disease's socio-economic impact and identifying key control challenges. The paper provides targeted recommendations to improve veterinary services, strengthen surveillance systems, enforce biosecurity measures, and enhance cross-border cooperation. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering community engagement and developing effective policy frameworks to ensure long-term ASF prevention and control, ensuring a more resilient pig farming sector in Nepal.
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Thakur et al. (2026) conducted a review in African swine fever. African swine fever in Nepal is exacerbated by swill feeding, informal trade, and poor biosecurity, highlighting the need for improved veterinary infrastructure and surveillance systems.
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