Awareness and practices of pig farmers regarding suspected cases of african swine fever: A case study from Assam

African Swine Fever (ASF) poses a serious threat to the piggery industry, particularly for Assam, one of India’s top pork-producing states, which is grappling with severe socioeconomic problems as a result of the disease’s widespread infection. The rapid spread of ASF and its severe impact on farmers’ livelihoods result from various factors. Timely detection and reporting of ASF are essential to reduce farmers’ economic losses. A field survey was conducted in the three most severely affected districts of Assam, collecting data from impacted farms to understand farmers’ responses to ASF, focusing on clinical suspicion and reporting behaviour. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the study identified key factors influencing farmers’ decisions to report the disease. Farmers reluctant to report suspected ASF cases often fear damage to their reputation within the community, believe they can handle the outbreak independently without veterinary services, and perceive laboratory confirmation as too time-consuming. These findings highlight the necessity for more effective communication strategies tailored to pig farmers. Such strategies should aim to educate farmers about ASF, its epidemiology, consequences, and control measures, thereby encouraging early reporting. This approach will help manage ASF more effectively and reduce its economic impact.