Drivers and risk factors for circulating African swine fever virus in Uganda, 2012–2013

• Ugandan small-scale pig farmers were largely middle-aged (21–40), semi-literate and sourced pigs from neighbours or markets.
• Indiscriminate disposal, farm-gate buyers' activities, retention of survivor pigs and use of open refuse dump were important risk factors identified.
• Current self-reported biosecurity measures implemented in small to medium-scale pig farms were largely ineffective.
• Poor post-outbreak perceptions and behaviour of farmers serve as drivers of transmission and spread.
• ASF progressed at epidemic proportions and outbreak reporting by farmers was delayed and difficult in certain instances. Training of small-scale and emerging farmers using multifaceted/multi-dimensional approaches will assist to reduce human-related risky behaviours driving infections in farms.

We explored observed risk factors and drivers of infection possibly associated with African swine fever (ASF) epidemiology in Uganda. Representative sub-populations of pig farms and statistics were used in a case-control model. Indiscriminate disposal of pig viscera and waste materials after slaughter, including on open refuse dumps, farm-gate buyers collecting pigs and pig products from within a farm, and retention of survivor pigs were plausible risk factors. Wire mesh-protected windows in pig houses were found to be protective against ASF infection. Sighting engorged ticks on pigs, the presence of a lock for each pig pen and/or a gate at the farm entrance were significantly associated with infection/non-infection; possible explanations were offered. Strict adherence to planned within-farm and community-based biosecurity, and avoidance of identified risk factors is recommended to reduce infection. Training for small-scale and emerging farmers should involve multidimensional and multidisciplinary approaches to reduce human-related risky behaviours driving infection.