Risk factors for African swine fever incursion in Romanian domestic farms during 2019

African swine fever (ASF) entered Georgia in 2007 and the EU in 2014. In the EU, the virus primarily spread in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the period from 2014–2018. However, from the summer 2018, numerous domestic pig farms in Romania were affected by ASF. In contrast to the existing knowledge on ASF transmission routes, the understanding of risk factors and the importance of different transmission routes is still limited. In the period from May to September 2019, 655 Romanian pig farms were included in a matched case-control study investigating possible risk factors for ASF incursion in commercial and backyard pig farms. The results showed that close proximity to outbreaks in domestic farms was a risk factor in commercial as well as backyard farms. Furthermore, in backyard farms, herd size, wild boar abundance around the farm, number of domestic outbreaks within 2 km around farms, short distance to wild boar cases and visits of professionals working on farms were statistically significant risk factors. Additionally, growing crops around the farm, which could potentially attract wild boar, and feeding forage from ASF affected areas to the pigs were risk factors for ASF incursion in backyard farms.


2.
Questionnaire on ASF in domestic pig herds in Romania The purpose of this survey is to collect epidemiological data as well as any available information on the development of ASF in Romania to: Perform an analysis of the temporal and spatial patterns of ASF in domestic pigs, and Analyze the risk factors involved in the occurrence, spread and persistence of the ASF virus in the domestic population.

INSTRUCTIONS
Please, carefully before completing the questionnaire. read the instructions A list of control holdings will be provided to the County Directorates by NSVFSA. They were randomly selected from Part III (Decision EC/2014/709) as soon as possible after the confirmation of the matching case holding (outbreak). The control holdings are selected from different affected-Part III counties in Romania and from the same holding type.
The survey consist on TWO PARTS: one that needs to be filled in BEFORE the visit to the holding BY THE VETERINARIAN appointed to perform the survey, and a second to be filled DURING the visit to the holding.
In case a holding is selected to perform the survey, but has been applied, or the preventive culling control holding , please is suspected or has become (in the meanwhile) positive go to the next provided by NSVFSA. control holdings on the list High Risk Period is defined as the length of time between introduction and detection of a disease, during which no control measures have yet been implemented and disease continues to spread. In order to harmonize answers, we have arbitrarily defined a time lapse of 2,4 and 6 weeks for each type of holding according to the type of holding. Whenever considering a High Risk Period question , consider the number of corresponding weeks.
Note that you will be asked to provide the GPS location of the holding. Please, be equipped with a device that can retrieve this information (e.g. smartphone), or complete this blank space before the visit. If outbreak holding, kindly provide the date of ASF confirmation: If control holding, kindly provide the case farm holding ID to which this control farm was associated: County code:

Holding animals information
Kindly provide the total number of pigs in the holding: Please, specify the number of each kind of pigs in the holding: Piglets: Breeding sows:

Wild boar information
Have you ever seen a wild boar roaring or moaning near your farm?

Feed and drinking water
What type of feed is given on your holding?
More than one answer is possible Industrial compound feed (1) Kitchen waste Industrial and/or agricultural by-products On farm milling and mixture (4) Forage (e.g. hay, fresh grass, silage) (2) Other Cereals (grains) (3) (1) If you have checked "COMMERCIAL COMBINED FOODS", please specify the origin of the compound feed (supplier) (2) Please specify the origin of the forrage What kind of drinking water is provided to the animals?
Fountain water (pumped from groundwater) Water stored in holding's own reservoir (e.g. tank, container, basin...) River/lake water Tap water (drinking / cleaning / disinfected water) If you have ticked OTHERS, please specify which:

Biosecurity
The total number of visits made by vehicles in operation during the high risk period: If other, please specify which Is the holding fenced to avoid contact with wild animals (e.g. wild boar, wolves, foxes, jackals,...)?

No
Is manure from other holdings spread on neighboring farmlands situated directly next to your stables (< 100 )? meters