8.4 Biosecurity at backyard and small-scale farms
Biosecurity of pigs at backyard and small-scale farms should be effectively maintained to avoid the exposure of new or previously unknown pathogens in a farm, reduce the effect of endemic diseases in an area and limit the circulation of infectious diseases to nearby farms. Segregation, cleaning and disinfection are the major elements of biosecurity at farm level. Implementation of quarantine measures of newly introduced animals, controlling the entry of pigs from outside farms/markets/villages, proper fencing of the farm area to prevent people, animals and birds which may serve as mechanical vectors of ASF transmission and maintaining adequate distances between farms are the important components of segregation (FAO, 2010). Households with small scale pig farms are encouraged for routine cleaning of pens and premises which includes quick removal of food, faeces, litter and dust followed by disinfection using approved disinfectants.