African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to represent one of the greatest disease threats facing the global pig industry. While the UK remains free from the disease, outbreaks across Europe and other parts of the world serve as a constant reminder that prevention is the only effective defense. With no commercially available treatment for ASF, strong biosecurity, effective cleaning and disinfection, and ongoing staff training are critical to protecting UK pig herds.
The Challenge of African Swine Fever
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. Although it poses no risk to human health, its impact on pig production can be devastating. An outbreak can result in significant animal losses, movement restrictions, export bans and major economic consequences for producers and the wider supply chain.
The challenge for UK pig producers is that ASF can spread through a variety of routes, including contaminated vehicles, equipment, clothing, feed, and contact with infected animals or animal products. This means biosecurity cannot be viewed as a one-off task. It must be embedded into every aspect of daily farm operations.
As disease pressures continue to evolve, producers are under increasing pressure to ensure their hygiene protocols are robust, practical and consistently applied by everyone entering the site.
Biosecurity: The First Line of Defense
According to Kersia's Business Development Manager, Dan Clow, effective biosecurity starts with a structured and disciplined cleaning programme.
"Every farm should have a clearly defined cleanout protocol with staff trained to implement it consistently."
Dan also highlights the importance of reviewing these protocols regularly and selecting the right products for the specific disease challenges faced by each farm.
"Choosing the right cleaner and disinfectant for the challenge on your farm can make a significant difference. Seeking expert advice can help ensure products deliver maximum effectiveness."
These principles are particularly important when considering ASF, where even small gaps in biosecurity can create opportunities for disease introduction and spread.
Kersia's Integrated Pathogen Control Programme
Kersia's pathogen control and biosecurity programme has been developed to help pig producers strengthen their farm's first line of defense through effective cleaning, disinfection and environmental hygiene.
The programme combines a range of proven solutions designed to break the cycle of disease and support high biosecurity standards across the entire production cycle.
Farm Foam EVO
The first step to effective biosecurity
Farm Foam EVO is a high-performance foaming cleaner designed to remove organic matter and contamination from surfaces prior to disinfection.
Removing dirt and organic material is critical because disinfectants can only perform effectively on thoroughly cleaned surfaces.
Viroxide Super
Powerful broad-spectrum protection
Viroxide Super is a proven disinfectant that helps protect farms against a broad spectrum of viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Farm Fluid MAX
Proven dual-active disinfection
Farm Fluid MAX has been specifically developed to help break the cycle of challenging pathogens while delivering reliable disinfection performance.
Cocoon Flore
Supporting healthier housing environments
Environmental hygiene plays an important role in disease prevention. Cocoon Flore bedding powder helps maintain cleaner, drier housing conditions by absorbing moisture, improving bedding hygiene and contributing to overall biosecurity management.
Expert Support Beyond Products
Effective biosecurity is about more than selecting the right products. It also requires the right knowledge, implementation and ongoing support.
Kersia's team of farm hygiene specialists works closely with producers, veterinarians and merchants to develop tailored biosecurity programmes that address individual farm challenges. This includes providing:
As Dan Clow explains:
"At Kersia, we work closely with farmers, merchants and veterinary teams to develop practical cleanout programmes that deliver results."
This hands-on approach helps ensure that biosecurity measures are not only implemented correctly but continue to perform effectively over the long term.
Protecting the Future of UK Pig Production
The threat of African Swine Fever remains real, and prevention must remain a top priority for every pig producer. By combining rigorous cleaning, effective disinfection, environmental hygiene and expert support, farms can significantly reduce the risk of disease introduction and strengthen their overall resilience.
Kersia's integrated pathogen control programme provides pig producers with a practical, science-based approach to biosecurity, supported by a dedicated team committed to helping customers protect animal health, improve hygiene standards and safeguard the future of their businesses.
For more information on Kersia's Pig Biosecurity Programme, visit: www.kersia.uk/farm-hygiene/pig-biosecurity-programme/.
