Seroprevalence of African Swine Fever Virus and Farm Management Practices in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious fatal viral disease of pigs caused by ASF virus (ASFV). Since its introduction into Nepal in 2022, ASF has caused major losses to pig farmers. However, information on the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Nepal remains limited, and this study represents the first systematic investigation of ASFV seroprevalence and farm management practices in the country.

To determine the seroprevalence of ASF in domestic pigs and slaughterhouse in Nepal and to identify farm management practices that contribute to disease transmission.

A cross-sectional study was conducted across pig farms in Bagmati Province. A total of 324 serum samples were collected and tested for ASFV antibodies using competitive ELISA. Additionally, 43 farmers were interviewed to assess management practices and biosecurity measures. Data were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

Of the 324 samples screened, seven tested positive, with an overall seroprevalence of 2.16%. Seropositivity was detected in multiple districts, but no significant differences were observed by location, sample source, sex, or age group (p > 0.05). The survey revealed poor biosecurity practices: only 6.9% of farmers used protective clothing, 27.9% used foot dips, and 62.8% did not quarantine new animals. Swill feeding was common (34.9%), while 39.5% of farmers used both swill and commercial feed. Improper carcass disposal and sale of sick or dead pigs were also reported.

Detection of ASFV antibodies in slaughtered and farm pigs indicates ongoing circulation of the virus in Nepal. Combined with poor farm-level biosecurity, this underscores the urgent need for preventive measures, including strengthened surveillance, farmer awareness, and enforcement of swill-feeding bans, to safeguard Nepal's pig industry.