Map of Europe illustrating the spread of African Swine Fever.

African Swine Fever Outbreak: What It Means for Europe's Farms

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Tracing the virus's path and understanding its impact on the global pork industry."

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It poses a significant threat to the pork industry and has caused considerable economic damage in affected regions.

In September 2018, ASF was detected in wild boars in Belgium, marking a westward expansion of the virus within Europe. This discovery raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease to other countries and the subsequent impact on pig farms and related industries.

A recent study investigated the genetic characteristics of the ASF virus found in Belgium to determine its origin and track its potential spread. By analyzing the virus's genetic code, researchers aimed to understand the transmission pathways and inform strategies for controlling the outbreak.

Unraveling the Origin: Genetic Fingerprints of the ASF Virus

Map of Europe illustrating the spread of African Swine Fever.

The study revealed that the ASF virus strain found in Belgium belongs to genotype II, a group that includes viruses circulating in both Eurasia and Southern Africa. Further genetic analysis pinpointed the virus's closest relatives to strains previously isolated in Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, and European Russia.

A specific genetic marker, a 10-nucleotide insertion, was identified in the Belgian virus, matching viruses from the aforementioned Eastern European countries. This finding suggests a potential transmission route from these regions to Belgium.

Genotype II: The ASF virus found in Belgium belongs to a widespread and concerning group.
Eastern European Connection: The virus shares genetic similarities with strains from Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, and Russia.
Genetic Marker: A specific insertion in the virus's genetic code links it to a potential origin in Eastern Europe.

While the genetic data points towards an Eastern European origin, the exact pathway of transmission to Belgium remains unclear. The study emphasizes that further research, including whole-genome sequencing, is needed to confirm the precise source and spread of the virus.

Implications and Future Directions

The emergence of ASF in Belgium highlights the ongoing threat posed by this virus to the European pork industry. The study's findings underscore the importance of strict biosecurity measures and surveillance programs to prevent further spread.

Understanding the virus's transmission pathways is crucial for implementing effective control strategies. This includes monitoring wild boar populations, controlling animal movement, and ensuring proper hygiene practices on pig farms.

Future research should focus on whole-genome sequencing to gain a more detailed understanding of the virus's evolution and transmission dynamics. This information will be critical for developing targeted interventions and mitigating the impact of future outbreaks.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3201/eid2501.181535, Alternate LINK

Title: Phylogeographic Analysis Of African Swine Fever Virus, Western Europe, 2018

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases

Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Authors: Mutien Garigliany, Daniel Desmecht, Marylène Tignon, Dominique Cassart, Christophe Lesenfant, Julien Paternostre, Rosario Volpe, Ann Brigitte Cay, Thierry Van Den Berg, Annick Linden

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is African Swine Fever (ASF), and why is it a concern?

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It is a major threat to the pork industry, capable of causing significant economic damage. The disease's severity necessitates understanding its spread to implement effective control measures.

What is the significance of Genotype II in the context of ASF?

The study revealed the ASF virus strain in Belgium belongs to Genotype II, a group associated with viruses found in Eurasia and Southern Africa. This is significant because Genotype II is widespread and concerning. The identification of the specific genotype helps researchers trace its origins and potential spread, crucial for implementing targeted control strategies.

What does the study reveal about the origin of the ASF virus in Belgium?

The research found genetic similarities between the ASF virus in Belgium and strains previously found in Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, and European Russia. These findings suggest a potential transmission route from these Eastern European regions to Belgium. This link underscores the need for robust biosecurity measures and enhanced surveillance programs to prevent the virus from spreading further across Europe and impacting pig farms.

What is the role of the genetic marker in tracing the ASF virus?

A specific genetic marker, a 10-nucleotide insertion, was identified in the Belgian ASF virus, linking it to strains from Eastern European countries. This marker provides further evidence of a potential origin and transmission pathway. Its identification assists in tracing the virus's movement, which is essential for understanding how to contain and control outbreaks.

What are the implications of the ASF outbreak in Belgium and the way forward?

The emergence of ASF in Belgium underscores the ongoing threat to the European pork industry. The study highlights the need for strict biosecurity measures and surveillance programs to prevent further spread of the virus. Future research, including whole-genome sequencing, is crucial to confirm the exact source and spread. Addressing these is important for protecting pig farms and the broader economy from the devastating impacts of ASF.