Agency: Poor biosecurity and unsafe feeding practices has triggered another outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Bhutan, with two households in Zangkhaphu village, Tsento Gewog, Paro, reporting infected pigs. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) confirmed 11 cases through RT-PCR testing on 8th February 2025, raising concerns over continued outbreaks linked to unhygienic farming practices.
ASF is a highly contagious and lethal disease that severely impacts pig populations and disrupts farmers’ livelihoods.
An official from the Department of Livestock stated, “There is no vaccine to prevent ASF, nor is there any treatment for infected pigs. We implement the Three D’s strategy: Depopulate, Dispose, and Decontaminate. Infected animals are culled, their meat is safely disposed of to prevent further spread, and decontamination measures are carried out to contain the disease.”
Bhutan recorded its first ASF outbreak in May 2020, and this marks the country’s 23rd confirmed case.
