Back to overview
26 November 2020

Continuous testing confirms: Belgium’s domestic pigs remain free of ASF contamination

Ever since the first wild boar tested ASF-positive, Belgium has succeeded in keeping domestic pigs and wild pigs kept in captivity free of ASF contamination. The country meticulously monitors the situation with continuous testing of domestic livestock and remains of wild boar.

Tests on domestic livestock: all negative

An enhanced passive surveillance of the domestic pig and captive wild pig population is implemented at national level by means of sampling all sick pigs before initiating a medical treatment. More than 16,597 samplings have been taken to date, all negative.

Furthermore, an active surveillance system is set up in the framework of Aujeskzy monitoring. All blood samples that are taken to test for Aujeszky disease, are also tested for ASF.

The official OIE attestation can be found at the website of the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE).

Tests on remains of wild boar: all negative since August 2019

The search for dead carcasses of wild boar has intensified since the beginning of autumn 2019. The 6 cases identified after the 11th of August 2019 have all been confirmed on the remains (only bones) of wild boar that died several months before the discovery of the bones. Those bones were dry and completely emaciated when found.

The age of the bones was evaluated by testing for remnant DNA and the results of the analysis performed by the National Reference Laboratory indicate that the wild boar they originate from died several months before the dates the bones were found.

The last positive case confirmed on a fresh wild boar carcass dates from the 11th of August 2019. Up until the 1st of September 2020, 5,352 wild boar have been analysed for ASF, among which 833 have been confirmed positive for African swine fever (ASF).

Back in time: demarcation of the infected zone

Since September 2018, when the first cases of African swine fever (ASF) were discovered in wild boar in the south of Belgium, the regulated zones I and II, that were put in place as one of the measures of ASF containment, have been adapted several times.

Following the discovery of the first ASF cases in wild boar, an initial infected zone was set. In November 2018, the European regulated zones were put in place: zone I (buffer zone) and zone II (infected zone). These zones cover a small area in the south of Belgium.

Since the 18th of May 2020, the regulated zones were adapted. On that day, the European Commission ratified Belgium’s proposal to reduce the ASF-infected zone in the province of Luxemburg.

“The reduction of the zone is a positive signal towards countries that have suspended the import of Belgian pork.” – Denis Ducarme, former Belgian Minister of Agriculture

Several criteria were taken in account when the decision of reducing the zone II was made:

No domestic pigs remain in this area of Part II, as all holdings have been emptied in September 2018 and are not allowed to restock.

Towards a full ASF-free status

If no infected boar are detected, Belgium could regain its ASF-free status for all porcine animals in the autumn of 2020.

“We must remain vigilant to give back our country its ASF-free status. This would lead to the abolishment of the last embargoes on the export of our pork.”
– Denis Ducarme, former Belgian Minister of Agriculture

Publications

Pork catalogue

Meat cuts: exhaustive range of Certified European pork cuts, offered by the Belgian meat suppliers.

download

Belgian Meat suppliers guide 2022

Who is who: complete overview of all Belgian meat suppliers, with product specifications, activities, certifications, destinations,…

download

Get in touch with the Belgian meat suppliers

The Belgian meat suppliers are ready to offer a Certified European pork solution tailored to your needs. Leave your contact details and we’ll find the meat supplier that’s most fit to help you.

VLAM
Koning Albert II-laan 35 bus 50
B-1030 Brussel
T: +32 2 552 80 11
F: +32 2 552 80 01
E: meatinfo@vlam.be

Discover our news Upcoming events