African swine fever
What you need to know about African swine fever
Last updated 19 November 2025
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What is African Swine Fever?
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease that only affects members of the pig family, such as wild boars.
Who is at risk of African Swine Fever?
ASF only affects pigs. It is not zoonotic and does not infect people or other animals e.g. dogs, cats or guinea pigs.
It is not a risk to public health.
ASF is currently present worldwide in various areas across Africa, Europe and Asia, including Southeast Asia.
Is African Swine Fever present in Singapore?
We have previously detected ASF in wild boars in Singapore in February 2023. No further cases have been detected since 2023.
Wild boars are native to Singapore and can be found in our nature reserves, parks, and other green spaces. We are closely monitoring the health of wild boars in these areas, and we have in place a biosurveillance system to quickly detect animal diseases, including ASF.
How is African Swine Fever transmitted?
The primary method of transmission from pig to pig is by direct contact. Pigs can also be infected by ingestion of contaminated material (e.g. food waste, garbage, food).
Symptoms of African Swine Fever
Animals
Pigs infected with ASF may become lethargic, uncoordinated, or listless. They may also show reddening of extremities such as the ears, tail, or limbs. In severe cases, they may die suddenly as the disease rapidly progresses.
If you encounter a dead wild boar or one that appears sick, maintain a safe distance and do not touch the wild boar. Please call the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 to report these sightings.
How can I reduce the risk of African Swine Fever infections?
ASF does not pose a risk to human health, as it is unable to infect people.
Members of the public are reminded to stay on designated trails when visiting nature reserves, parks, and other green spaces, observe wild boars from a distance, and not to feed or get close to them.
Do not touch or pick up any sick or dead animals. If you do encounter sick or dead animals, please call the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 to report these sightings.
Further reading
African swine fever - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health