The survey, conducted by biosecurity specialists Roam Technology, was completed mainly by large indoor farrow-to-finish units (>1,000 sows).
It found that more than half of respondents (52%) had already strengthened biosecurity measures due to ASF concerns, including stricter visitor protocols, reduced visitor numbers and enhanced hygiene procedures.
However, 13% of respondents said they did not feel prepared for an ASF outbreak, while 39% described themselves as only somewhat prepared, highlighting the continued focus on preparedness planning across the industry.
Overall, farms recorded an average biosecurity score of 72 out of 100 (where 0 represents poor biosecurity and 100 excellent), with 43% of producers acknowledging that further improvements would help reduce the risk of disease entering their units.
The findings show that many core biosecurity measures are already widely adopted. All respondents reported enforcing pig-free downtime for visitors, while 91% operate visitor logbooks and provide dedicated farm PPE. In addition, 87% have disinfection points and dedicated loading areas in place.
Despite these strong foundations, the survey identified variation in the implementation of key biosecurity infrastructure. Less than half of farms reported having both a perimeter fence and controlled entry point, while only 35% operate clean and dirty vehicle routes and 39% have wheel-washing facilities.
Internal biosecurity practices were also less consistent, with around half of respondents using foot dips between buildings, only 70% operating all-in/all-out systems, and 13% reporting no specific measures to reduce disease spread between pig groups.
Water hygiene also emerged as a notable area of variation. Only 18% of producers said they regularly disinfect water lines on a daily or weekly basis, while 22% reported no routine cleaning or disinfection of water systems.
The survey comes at a time of heightened vigilance across the UK pig sector, as ASF continues to spread across parts of Europe and Asia, posing an ongoing threat to pig health and production.
Nigel Bennet, biosecurity specialist at Roam Technology, said: “It is very positive to see the UK pig sector taking proactive steps to protect herd health in the face of the ASF threat.
“What stands out is the strength of existing biosecurity foundations across most farms, particularly in visitor control, hygiene practices and structured farm procedures. This provides a strong platform for ongoing resilience.”
Mr Bennet also highlighted water hygiene as an area where relatively simple changes could deliver meaningful improvements in herd health and resilience.
He said: “Only 18% of farms reported regular disinfection of water lines, which suggests an opportunity for improvement in a critical but sometimes overlooked area of biosecurity.
“Maintaining clean drinking water systems is essential, particularly in indoor, higher-density production systems where bacterial build-up and biofilm formation can occur.
“Ensuring water quality at the point of consumption is achievable, but it requires consistent attention to detail and appropriate product choice, focused on outcomes rather than cost alone.”
Roam Technology is the manufacturer of disinfectants including the newly released Defra-approved* Virox surface disinfectant and water disinfectant Huwa San TR-50.
Mr Bennet added: “ASF preparedness is not a one-off exercise, but an ongoing process of review and refinement. The sector is already doing many of the right things and is now focusing on where incremental improvements can further strengthen resilience.”
