A significant knowledge gap exists around the environmental impacts of African swine fever (ASF), particularly in terms of carcass disposal and the pollution risks associated with it, says Mikayla Schlosser, a student at University of Minnesota’s Veterinary School.
Her study sought deeper understanding of the environmental impacts of ASF, particularly in response to practices such as mass depopulations and carcass disposal in the Philippines.
“ASF has significantly affected swine populations and economies globally since its emergence, but there is limited research on its environmental effects,” Schlosser says.
To fill this gap, Schlosser and colleagues with the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at the University of Minnesota conducted a scoping review of existing literature on the environmental impacts of ASF, finding minimal literature relevant. Then, they conducted an exploratory, qualitative systems mapping exercise with 18 private and public veterinarians in the Philippines who have experience with ASF response efforts.
She says the exercise explored the environmental impacts of ASF during the pre-outbreak, immediate response, and endemic/long-term management phases.
“The research identified stakeholders involved in decision-making related to ASF’s environmental impacts and highlighted concerns such as the potential contamination of water from carcass burial, gaps in surveillance, and threats to native swine species,” Schlosser says. “The findings will inform future research and policy development in the U.S. to mitigate the potential environmental and economic damage of potential ASF outbreaks.”
The scoping literature review revealed minimal relevant research, underscoring the urgent need for further studies to better understand how ASF affects environmental health, she points out. Additionally, the systems mapping exercise highlighted the complexity of ASF’s environmental impact, involving multiple stakeholders and concerns such as water contamination and threats to native species.
“This emphasizes the importance of learning from other countries’ experiences to develop more comprehensive and effective mitigation strategies prior to ASF entrance to the U.S.,” she says. “Findings can also help U.S. producers by providing insights into the environmental risks associated with ASF outbreaks and response practices.”
Schlosser says by understanding the potential pollution risks from practices like carcass burial and identifying key stakeholders involved in decision-making, producers can better prepare for and respond to ASF outbreaks in a way that minimizes environmental harm.
“The findings can also inform policy development and guide producers in implementing strategies that protect both their operations and the broader environment,” she adds. “The lessons learned from countries like the Philippines can help producers in the U.S. anticipate challenges and prevent environmental and economic damage before ASF reaches their regions.”
Schlosser was one of 15 students who competed in the Veterinary Student Poster Competition at the AASV annual meeting. Read more here.
