Risk of African Swine Fever in Japan Through Landfill Disposal of Food Waste

Abstract

In the neighboring countries of Japan, ASF is widespread and has devastating effects on the pig industry. The main routes of infection include direct or indirect contact with infected pigs and wild boars. Pork products from infected pigs also pose a risk. In Japan, food waste from households and restaurants is treated through local government garbage planning and collection operations. This study surveyed municipalities nationwide to determine whether wild boars and domestic pigs are at risk of ASF infection through infected pork products disposed of in public composts or in landfills. In Japan, the general waste treatment methods vary between local governments and include incineration, composting, landfill burial, solid fuel conversion, eco-feed production, and household treatment. In Hokkaido and Okinawa Prefectures, some municipalities bury food waste without incineration: In Yubari City and Bihoro Town in Hokkaido, where food waste is landfilled without incineration, but no wild boars live, the risk of wild boars being exposed to ASFV was found negligible. In Iriomote Island, Okinawa Prefecture, where food waste is disposed of in public composts, and wild boars exist, the risk of wild boars being exposed to and infected with ASFV was found not negligeable. On that island the risk of domestic pigs being subsequently infected with ASFV via infected wild boars was also found not negligible. Areas other than these municipalities do not directly dispose of food waste for burial or have no wild boars living, resulting in a negligible risk of ASFV transmission to wild boars and pigs from the disposal of food waste.