New developments of the epidemic in the reporting period	Backyard farms: Because suspected outbreaks are not always immediately notified; due to non‐compliance with restrictions, illegal pig movements and low biosecurity measures, these establishments remain as vulnerable as before to the possible introduction of disease. Commercial farms: The ASF outbreaks in backyard farms leading to prohibitions of movements of pigs also applied on commercial farms caused important animal health and welfare issues and enormous economic losses to farmers. In affected commercial establishments, the introduction of the virus remained unnoticed by the farmer or the veterinarian for extended time. Under unfavourable circumstances, the high‐risk period was several weeks or even months, and during this period, the virus could spread within the farm or to other farms.
Specific prevention and control measures implemented during the reporting period	In addition to the control measures set up according to the European Union legislation, NSVFSA informed on the epidemiological situation all Prefectures (Head of County Disease Control Centre) in the counties where ASF was confirmed in professional commercial pig holdings. It was requested to improve the Action Plan by setting concrete deadlines to reduce the risk of ASF dissemination. Consultancy visits on biosecurity measures on small farms are being performed by veterinarians where the farmers are reminded of their obligation to notify any health issue (10 consultations/month/contracted veterinarian). Regular traffic controls are organised by the veterinary authorities, and they reveal persistent non‐compliance with the rules on the movement of live pigs and their products.
Epidemiological investigations in infected farms during the reporting period	There were 1,637 outbreaks during the reporting period where the following observations have been made: On 38% of outbreak farms, there were attractive crops near the farm (1.5 km) On 27% of outbreak farms, there were woodlands near the farm (1.5 km) On 10% of outbreak farms, there were dead wild boar found nearby the farm (1.5 km) On 15% of outbreak farms, there were new pigs introduced on the farms On 10% of outbreak farms, there was home slaughter On 7% of outbreak farms, there were unprocessed food waist On 70% of outbreak farms, there were cereals or forage used cultivated in ASF‐infected areas On 2% of outbreak farms, there were breaches in compliance with bans on free‐range breeding