African Swine Fever Detected Across 16 Countries

African Swine Fever Detected in 16 European Countries in Early 2026

African swine fever has been confirmed across 16 European countries during the first two months of 2026, highlighting ongoing disease pressure across the region’s pig sector.

According to reporting by Pig World, the Animal and Plant Health Agency recorded nearly 2,000 ASF cases between January and late February. Significant developments include continued spread in Spain’s Catalonia region, where 162 cases were reported in wild boar, and expansion of the disease in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia, now within around 70 kilometres of the French border.

APHA has assessed the risk of African swine fever entering Great Britain through illegal pork imports as high, underlining the importance of strict border controls and biosecurity awareness within the UK pig industry.

The situation continues to be closely monitored as European authorities attempt to contain outbreaks in both wild and domestic pig populations.

Source: Pig World | 3 March 2026