United against ASF: How FAO and IUCN are mobilizing to save Asia’s wild pigs

In the forests of Southeast Asia, a silent crisis is taking place. Wild pigs, which are vital for the ecosystem, serve as food sources for millions and are important icons of biodiversity, are facing a severe threat. African swine fever (ASF), a viral disease that is fatal to over 95 percent of infected pigs, is rapidly spreading across the region, pushing already vulnerable species to the brink of extinction.

A Motion for Urgency

Delegates at the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress adopted Motion 111, or the Urgent Action to Address the Asian Wild Pig Crisis Caused by African swine fever.  FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provided technical support to the IUCN in developing the Motion, which calls on governments, non-government organizations and research institutions to prioritize the conservation of wild pigs, enhance biosecurity measures and mobilize resources for emergency interventions.

“ASF is not just a livestock disease; it’s a biodiversity emergency,” said Yooni Oh, FAO Animal Production and Health Officer and ASF programme coordinator. “We are witnessing population declines in species such as the Visayan warty pig and the babirusas, which have cascading effects on forest health and the livelihoods of rural communities,” she added.

Collaboration Across Borders  

FAO’s response is built on partnership. The Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) Working Group, led by the World Conservation Society, brings together scientists, government officials and non-government organizations including IUCN, FAO and WOAH to share data, coordinate surveillance and develop rapid diagnostic tools. FAO, as a member of the working group, has convened regional and country-level meetings, connecting wildlife and animal health officers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and other countries, and fostering a “One Health” approach that links conservation and veterinary science.  

Evidence and Innovation  

The fight against ASF is guided by research. Studies from Mahidol University and the Lao People's Democratic Republic have mapped the potential spread of ASF among wild and domestic pigs, informing targeted interventions. FAO’s technical manuals and webinars present the latest scientific findings to practitioners in the field, while joint communiqués encourage countries to adopt stronger policies and invest in vaccine development.  

Community Power: Mobilizing for Change  

In Cambodia’s forests, community forums empower villagers to report outbreaks and implement biosecurity measures. In the Philippines, joint workshops and biosecurity training in places like Bayawan City equip local actors to protect both wild and domestic pigs. Indonesia’s webinars connect experts and communities, spreading awareness and practical solutions.  

FAO’s Safety of One, Safety for All! campaign resonates throughout the region, reminding farmers, veterinarians and conservationists that halting ASF is a shared responsibility. Outreach leaflets, social media calendars and local radio spots deliver this message to even the most remote communities.  

The Stakes: Food Security and Biodiversity  

The impact of ASF extends beyond pigs. For millions of Indigenous peoples and rural families, wild pigs are a critical source of protein. Their loss threatens food security and cultural traditions. Ecologically, wild pigs till the soil, disperse seeds, and sustain predators–without them, forests may face collapse.  

Looking Forward  

The IUCN motion and FAO’s leadership represent a turning point. Governments are encouraged to incorporate wild pigs into ASF control plans, support ex situ conservation and fund emergency responses. The road ahead requires innovation, solidarity and unwavering advocacy.  

“Saving wild pigs is about conserving forests, cultures and futures. It’s a fight we can’t afford to lose,” states Sarah Jayme, FAO ASF Animal Health Specialist.