Costs associated with the occurrence of African Swine Fever in the Czech Republic

Abstract

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boars of all breeds and ages, similar to classical swine fever. In infected animals, it causes a wide range of clinical symptoms and is characterized by a high lethality rate of almost 100%. Due to the potential transmission of infection from wild to domestic pigs, ASF has significant budgetary and economic implications. The State Veterinary Administration announces Extraordinary Veterinary Measures and closes surveillance zones, restricting the movement of people, animals, and agricultural products. At the same time, compensation is paid for a wild boar shot or found dead that is tested for the presence of ASF. The first occurrence of ASF in wild boars in the Czech Republic was confirmed in 2017, followed by a second occurrence in 2018, involving a total of 230 boars. After a subsequent period without proven infection, the virus was re-recorded in 2023. This year, 3,300 clinical tests were conducted, and 59 occurrences of ASF were confirmed, resulting in more than EUR 965,000 in compensation payments. In terms of compensation costs, ASF is one of the most expensive diseases after Avian influenza and Salmonellosis in poultry. Breed pigs on 232 farms were also continuously clinically tested, but the ASF virus was not proven in commercial farms. Due to the unfavorable disease situation, especially in the surrounding countries, and the free migration of animals, careful veterinary supervision is still required.