Poland has confirmed its first African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak on a commercial pig farm in 2025. The outbreak, reported on June 20, occurred in the Pomeranian province near Luzino, approximately 50 km northwest of Gdańsk, and involved 1,311 pigs.
This marks the third farm-level ASF outbreak in the region since 2024 and comes amid growing concerns over the virus’s persistence in wild boar populations.
🚨 Wild Boar Remain a Major Risk Factor
ASF continues to circulate aggressively among wild boar in Poland. So far in 2025, more than 2,300 wild boar have tested positive for ASF across the country, with most clustered in the forests around Gdańsk. This follows a recurring seasonal trend in Europe, where outbreaks spike in the summer months due to increased movement and environmental contamination.
Veterinary officials suspect contaminated hay, straw, or equipment may have played a role in the latest outbreak—a common pathway for virus transmission from the environment into commercial herds.
🌍 The European Context
ASF remains a challenge across Europe. According to the Animal Disease Information System (ADIS), over 4,400 wild boar cases and 168 domestic pig outbreaks were reported across 17 EU countries in the first quarter of 2025. While domestic outbreaks are down 83% year-over-year in the EU, wild boar remain a persistent source of infection.
Poland, in particular, has seen a 47% rise in farm-level ASF cases compared to last year.
🧰 Key Takeaways for Producers
🔹 Tighten Biosecurity: Producers are urged to review bedding, feed, and visitor protocols to prevent indirect virus introduction.
🔹 Monitor Wildlife Pressure: Hotspot regions should continue carcass removal, wild boar control efforts, and fencing where feasible.
🔹 Enhance Surveillance: Coordinated monitoring with EU neighbors is crucial to tracking regional spread and emerging threats.
✅ Swine Web Insight
While the rest of Europe sees progress in reducing domestic ASF cases, this new outbreak in Poland is a clear reminder: the wild boar reservoir and indirect transmission via fomites remain serious threats. Producers must double down on prevention—especially during high-risk summer months.
