# African swine fever in Nepal: risk factors, impacts, and strategies for control

## TL;DR

African swine fever has severely impacted pig farming in Nepal, and this study outlines its causes, effects, and strategies for better control.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of ASF in Nepal and offers targeted recommendations for control and prevention.

## Key findings

- ASF has caused significant declines in pig populations and pork production in Nepal.
- Key risk factors include swill feeding, informal trade, and poor biosecurity.
- Seasonal trends and high pig density worsen ASF spread during the monsoon.

## Abstract

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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