With China reporting its first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) on August 3rd, and with the heightened threat of this highly contagious disease spreading to Japan and the Korean Peninsula, specialty chemicals company LANXESS offers Asian swine producers the proven broad spectrum virucidal disinfectant Virkon S for ASF biosecurity prevention and control measures.

Having been independently tested for virucidal efficacy against ASF by the Institute of Animal Health, Pirbright, United Kingdom, Virkon S was found to be effective against ASF virus at a dilution rate of 1:800.

The test method employed included the presence of organic challenge and was conducted at low temperatures (down to 4 degrees Celsius) reflecting its proven performance and suitability for real world 'on farm' conditions.

The study applied a similar methodology to those tests which are used by the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for assessing the effectiveness of disinfecting agents against notifiable diseases of swine.

ASF remains a serious threat to swine producers, resulting in high levels of mortality and morbidity across Asian swine herds. With no effective treatment or vaccine available, veterinarians are recommending enhanced biosecurity measures and advising swine producers to urgently review and tighten their biosecurity protocols.