African Swine Fever (ASF) is spreading again—and fast. In Germany, dozens of infected wild boars and pigs have already been found. The question isn’t *if* the virus will reach the Netherlands, but *when*. For pig farmers, transporters, and suppliers, that means one thing: stay alert when it comes to hygiene. A single contaminated vehicle can shut down your entire chain. The NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) has strict requirements for cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of animal transport vehicles. But these rules only work if they’re carried out properly. And that starts with the right products and approach. In this blog article, you’ll learn what ASF is, how it spreads, what the NVWA requires, which common mistakes to avoid, and which cleaning tools really work.
What is African Swine Fever (ASF)?
ASF is a highly contagious virus among pigs and wild boars. Deadly for animals, but harmless to humans. The virus travels easily via transport vehicles, clothing, boots, and even food waste. It’s small, invisible, and persistent. Cleaning “by eye” is not enough.
NVWA C&D requirements (2025)
The NVWA mandates five standard steps for cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of animal transport vehicles:Clean with lukewarm water and a foam cleaner. Remove dirt from loading areas, crates, and floors. Rinse with clean water to remove all foam and residue. Disinfect using an approved product from the NVWA list. Ensure complete surface coverage. Contact time: allow the disinfectant to sit for at least the prescribed duration. Final rinse with tap water to safely remove any remaining residue.
Common mistakes during vehicle cleaning
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning too quickly | Product doesn’t have time to work | Use a timer during contact time |
| Wrong products | No virus elimination | Use NVWA-approved disinfectants |
| Poor coverage | Virus survives in corners | Use foam equipment with 360° reach |
Practical solutions
Proper C&D of animal transport vehicles is simple when you work with approved cleaning and disinfecting agents, powerful equipment, and clear instructions for your team. Recommended equipment:Gloria Foam Sprayer; turns detergent into effective foam. 110° spray angle. Gloria Pressure Sprayer; suitable for spraying acidic and alkaline products. Cleaning Agents; professional products for heavily soiled surfaces. Ehrle Hot Water Pressure Washer: powerful cleaning with minimal water usage.
Other measures to prevent African Swine Fever
Hygiene experts stress that a clean barn is the foundation of a healthy environment. Dirt and organic matter can harbor viruses for a long time. Follow a thorough C&D plan for pig barns and use professional pressure washers to prevent disease outbreaks.
People can unknowingly carry the ASF virus on clothing, shoes, or hands. Provide clear hygiene protocols for staff and visitors—such as wearing company clothing, disinfecting hands and footwear before entering barns, and limiting visitor flow. Install hygiene gates where needed.
Contaminated drinking water can also transmit ASF. Regularly clean and disinfect water lines and drinkers. Removing biofilm prevents bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from building up and spreading.
