How ASF evolved in Europe in the first half of 2026

African swine fever (ASF) remained highly active in the European Union and neighboring countries during the first half of 2026, with 5,905 outbreaks. The disease remained widespread in wild boar, with 5,589 outbreaks across 15 countries, while 316 outbreaks were reported in domestic pigs in 11 countries.

Wild boar

Wild boar continued to account for the majority of ASF cases in Europe, with 5,589 outbreaks reported in 15 countries. This is a 15.6% decrease from the 6,621 outbreaks during the same period in 2025.

Poland continues to have the highest number of cases in the EU, with 1,425, followed by Lithuania (832), Italy (823), Germany (621), Hungary (491), and Latvia (416). Romania (284) and Bulgaria (277) also have significant numbers of cases.

Compared to the first half of 2025, there is an uneven trend across countries. While Italy saw outbreaks in wild boar practically double from 430 to 823 cases (+91%), and Lithuania saw a 78% increase (from 468 to 832), other countries saw significant decreases, notably Germany, which saw a reduction in outbreaks from 1,612 to 621 (-61%), and Poland, which went from 2,374 to 1,425 (-40%). Cases also decreased significantly in Hungary (-19%), Latvia (-35%), and Greece, which went from 74 cases to a single outbreak.

Domestic pigs

For domestic pigs, the situation is more favorable than in 2025. During the first half of 2026, 316 outbreaks were reported, compared to 418 during the same period in 2025, representing an approximately 24% decrease.

However, some countries worsened significantly. Serbia stands out in particular, going from 20 outbreaks in the first half of 2025 to 152 in the same period of 2026, becoming the most affected area in Europe for domestic pigs. Outbreaks also increased in Croatia (from 1 to 26) while they decreased in Romania (from 176 to 110, although it remains one of the most affected countries).

You will find all information about the disease in our special ASF section.