# Management and Biosecurity Practices of Pig Farms in Nepal

## TL;DR

Pig farms in Nepal have poor biosecurity practices, making them vulnerable to diseases like African swine fever, and need better policies and training.

## Contribution

This study evaluates biosecurity practices in Nepalese pig farms and highlights the urgent need for policy and training interventions.

## Key findings

- Biosecurity adoption level of pig farmers in Nepal is low.
- Pig farms are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases like African swine fever.
- Immediate actions are needed to build capacity and promote biosecurity practices among farmers.

## Abstract

The swine industry is vulnerable to different infectious diseases. The pig industry and pork consumption have increased in Nepal for the past several years, but African swine fever in 2022 affected this industry badly. One of the possible ways to prevent disease is by employing good hygiene and strict biosecurity measures in farms. This study, conducted in 2023 in Dang and Jhapa districts of Nepal, sought to assess the management and the biosecurity practices across the pig farms. A survey conducted among pig growers included questions on major management practices, biosecurity measures (isolation, traffic control, sanitation) and demographics of respondents. Farm owners indicating having good practices in place as related to each question were given a score of one and zero to those indicating not having good practices in place. The findings showed the cumulative scores for all three biosecurity components to be 9.1 ± 3.0 (mean ± SD). The farmers lacked basic knowledge on biosecurity measures to be implemented in the farm. The data and analysis lead to the conclusion that there is a strong need for appropriate policies and programmes for helping and motivating pig farmers to adopt biosecurity practices and reduce the disease risk in Nepal.

1) Biosecurity adoption level of pig farmers in Nepal is low.

2) The pig farms are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases like African swine fever.

3) Governments of Nepal should take immediate actions focusing on capacity building of pig farmers, information dissemination and adoption of biosecurity practices.