African Swine Fever Decimates Wild Pig Populations in Borneo

The disease threatens food security and ecosystems, with potential for severe impacts on local communities and endangered species.

African Swine Fever (ASF) is decimating wild pig populations in Borneo, with bearded pig numbers declining by between 90% and 100% since the disease arrived on the island in 2021.
The loss of bearded pigs, which were once the most common large mammal species on the island, is threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on them for food.
The disappearance of this key protein source is causing local people to shift their focus to hunting endangered species such as pig-tailed macaques.
Bearded pigs play a crucial role in Borneo's ecosystem, dispersing seeds over large distances and turning over soil with their snouts, which cleans undergrowth and gives tree roots access to more soil nutrients.
Trials for creating an effective vaccine have showed positive results, but vaccinating wild pigs would be logistically complex and expensive to implement.