Latest emergency response news
Updated: 15 July 2026
Australia remains free from ASF.
ASF is present in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and many countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
About African swine fever
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease of pigs. It affects domestic and feral pigs. It does not affect people.
There is no treatment for ASF and no widely available vaccine.
The virus survives well in the environment and can persist in pork products, carcasses, soil and on contaminated equipment.
ASF spreads mainly through:
- direct contact between infected and healthy pigs
- feeding pigs swill (food scraps or waste that contains contaminated pork or pork products)
- contaminated equipment, clothing, footwear, vehicles or feed
- movement of infected pigs or pig products
- insects such as biting flies (and ticks in some regions)
Clinical signs of ASF can vary depending on the virus strain. Some strains cause rapid death, while others cause milder disease, however the mortality rate is often close to 100%. Common signs include:
- sudden death, often without prior signs
- high fever, loss of appetite and lethargy
- red or blotchy skin, particularly on the ears, snout, legs and belly
- vomiting and diarrhoea, sometimes bloody
- breathing difficulties
- abortions and reproductive failure
- unsteady movement or tremors
Clinical signs alone are not sufficient to confirm ASF. Laboratory testing is required.
ASF is not a food safety concern. People cannot get ASF from eating pork or pork products.
African swine fever in Australia
ASF has never been detected in Australia. Keeping it out is a national priority.
Feral pigs increase the risk of ASF. Australia has a large feral pig population (estimated to be around 24 million animals). If ASF spread into these populations, it would be extremely difficult to control and could persist indefinitely in the environment.
An ASF incursion would have serious impacts on the pork industry and related supply chains. Australia’s response policy is to eradicate ASF as quickly as possible.
Detection of the disease in Australia would likely lead to:
- immediate movement controls on pigs, pig products and equipment
- destruction and disposal of infected and exposed pigs
- loss of export markets that require ASF-free certification
- production losses and supply chain disruption
- major control challenges if feral pig populations are affected
How to report African swine fever
ASF is a nationally notifiable animal disease. If you suspect ASF in any pig in Australia, report it immediately to:
- your private veterinarian
- your state or territory agriculture department
- the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Do not wait for a diagnosis. Early reporting is critical.
African swine fever overseas
ASF is widespread globally and continues to spread in many regions.
ASF is widespread across Asia and parts of Europe, where it is established in both domestic pigs and wild boar populations. In some regions, the virus persists in wild pig populations, making it difficult to control and increasing the risk of further spread.
It is also present across parts of Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania.
Countries closest to Australia are of greatest concern:
- Papua New Guinea: ASF has been present since 2020, and outbreaks continue.
- Indonesia: widespread outbreaks have occurred across multiple islands, including Java, Bali, Sumatra, Sulawesi and Papua.
- Timor-Leste: ASF has been present since 2019 and continues to circulate.
In recent years, new virus strains have also been detected, complicating control efforts.
Resources for producers
An ASF incursion into Australia would have serious impacts on pig producers. Good farm biosecurity is your best defence against ASF.
- Do not feed swill — feeding food scraps, meat or food waste to pigs is illegal in all states and territories.
- Manage people and visitors — limit access to your property. Make sure visitors follow biosecurity requirements.
- Control equipment and vehicles — clean and disinfect anything that comes onto your property.
- Source pigs and feed safely — only buy pigs and feed from trusted suppliers.
- Monitor your animals — check pigs regularly for signs of disease.
- Report concerns early — if you see unusual signs or deaths, report them immediately.
AUSVETPLAN resources
AUSVETPLAN contains the nationally agreed approach for responding to emergency animal disease incidents in Australia. The following documents are relevant to an ASF response.