On 21 May 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a scientific report analysing the epidemiological situation of African swine fever (ASF) in the European Union during 2025. The report assesses the spread, distribution, and risk factors of the disease, which continues to affect domestic pigs and wild boar across several Member States, with significant economic and animal health consequences.
The report, produced by EFSA's Animal and Plant Health Unit, provides a detailed overview of ASF outbreaks and surveillance data submitted by EU countries in 2025. It identifies persistent hotspots in parts of Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, the Baltic states, and the Balkans, while noting sporadic incursions into previously unaffected areas. The document is a scientific assessment, not a regulatory proposal, and does not carry binding legal force, but it serves as a key evidence base for EU and national risk management measures.
Policy orientations and trade-offs EFSA's analysis points to several factors driving ASF persistence: wild boar populations acting as a reservoir, insufficient biosecurity on farms, and challenges in early detection. The report implicitly supports continued investment in surveillance, culling, and biosecurity measures, which involve trade-offs between disease control costs and the economic burden on pig farmers. Stricter control measures can reduce outbreak risk but also increase administrative and financial pressure on producers, especially smallholders. The report does not recommend specific policy changes but provides data that could inform future Commission decisions on zoning, movement restrictions, and compensation schemes.
Impact on stakeholders Pig farmers in affected regions face direct losses from culling and trade restrictions, while those in disease-free areas benefit from maintained export markets. National veterinary authorities bear the cost of surveillance and response, which may strain budgets. Consumers are indirectly affected through potential price volatility for pork products. The report's findings may also influence insurance and compensation frameworks for livestock losses.
Expected institutional follow-up The European Commission and Member States are expected to use the report to update ASF control strategies, potentially revising regionalisation measures or funding priorities under the EU Animal Health Law. EFSA will continue to monitor the situation and may issue further updates as new data become available.
← Atlas › News › Agri-food