Plant-based additives reduce ASFV load
Peer-reviewed evidence published in Veterinary Medicine and Science
Feed is an important but often underestimated part of ASF prevention. African swine fever virus can be transmitted through contaminated feed and feed-related materials. A peer-reviewed study shows that selected plant-based feed additives can reduce or inactivate ASFV in contaminated pig feed under laboratory conditions.
The study was recognised among the top 10% most-viewed papers published in Veterinary Medicine and Science in 2024, underlining the strong scientific and practical interest in this topic.
Feed biosecurity in the fight against ASF
African swine fever remains one of the most serious disease threats in pig production. The virus is highly contagious, can cause mortality rates of up to 100% and continues to affect animal health, farm income, food security and global pork supply chains. Although vaccine development has progressed, ASF control is still far from solved. Field use of ASF vaccines is currently limited to a small number of countries, and international organisations emphasise the need for careful evaluation, monitoring and risk assessment before broader vaccine deployment. This makes biosecurity along the entire production chain essential. Feed and feed ingredients are considered possible routes of ASFV transmission. For feed manufacturers and pig producers, reducing the risk of viral contamination in feed is therefore an important part of disease prevention.
A peer-reviewed study published in Veterinary Medicine and Science investigated whether selected plant-based feed additives can inactivate African swine fever virus in contaminated feed ingredients. The study was conducted by Professor Le Van Phan and his team at the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, and supported by Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition. It compared two plant-based additives, Phyto.A04 and Phyto.B, with an organic acid blend. The additives were tested individually and in different combinations in ASFV-contaminated pig feed. Virus detection was carried out after one, three and seven days using both real-time PCR and cell culture methods. This allowed the researchers to assess not only viral genetic material but also whether infectious virus was still detectable.
Clear antiviral activity in contaminated feed
All tested additives reduced or inactivated ASFV under the experimental conditions of the study.
Phyto.A04, a plant-based preparation containing bioactive substances from hops, showed particularly strong results. At a concentration of 1%, ASFV was only detectable after one day and was no longer detectable after three and seven days.
Phyto.B, a plant-based preparation based on liquorice extract, also showed clear antiviral activity. Both tested concentrations, 0.01% and 0.05%, completely inhibited detectable virus presence after three and seven days.
The organic acid blend was effective as well, but acted more slowly. At 0.3%, it reduced the viral concentration over time, with the virus becoming undetectable after seven days.
The strongest results were observed when additives were combined. The most effective combination was 0.3% organic acid blend + 1% Phyto.A04 + 0.01% Phyto.B. This treatment produced the lowest viral load after one day and no detectable virus after three and seven days.
Why feed safety matters in ASF prevention
ASF remains difficult to control. Vaccines are an important area of progress, but their practical use is still limited and requires strict evaluation and monitoring. There is still no approved vaccine available internationally. Biosecurity therefore remains the central line of defence.
Feed biosecurity is part of this defence. Contaminated feed ingredients can contribute to disease spread, especially when sourcing, transport and storage involve high-risk regions or complex supply chains.
The study shows that selected plant-based additives may offer an additional tool to reduce viral contamination risk in feed. This does not replace established biosecurity measures. It adds a further layer of protection where risk reduction is urgently needed.
Scientific support for plant-based feed solutions
The study strengthens the scientific basis for plant-based solutions in animal nutrition. The results are especially relevant because the antiviral activity of Phyto.A04 and Phyto.B cannot be explained by extreme pH values alone. The authors suggest that specific bioactive compounds, including substances from hops and liquorice extract, may contribute to the observed effect. Further research is needed to clarify the exact mode of action and to assess the effects under practical farm conditions.
For Dr. Eckel, the findings support the company’s long-standing focus on bioactive plant compounds. They also underline the potential of plant-based feed additives in modern concepts for feed hygiene, animal health and sustainable pig production.
Click here for the full study report available in the Wiley Online Library https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70070
Who benefits from ASF feed biosecurity?
ASF feed biosecurity is relevant for:
- swine producers
- piglet and finishing farms
- swine feed producers
- animal nutritionists
- veterinarians
- feed safety managers
- agricultural advisors
- industry opinion leaders
For these groups, feed safety is not only a technical topic. It directly affects animal health, supply chain resilience and economic stability.
FAQ
Why should pig feed be treated as part of ASF biosecurity?
Pig feed should be treated as part of ASF biosecurity because contaminated feed and feed-related materials can contribute to ASFV transmission. Reducing viral contamination risk in feed adds another layer of prevention.
Can plant-based additives replace disinfection and hygiene measures?
No. Plant-based additives do not replace cleaning, disinfection, animal movement control, quarantine or veterinary monitoring. They can support feed safety as an additional risk-reduction measure.
What does “virus load” mean?
Virus load describes the amount of virus present in a sample. In feed safety, reducing virus load can lower the risk that contaminated material remains infectious.
Why are non-chemical solutions relevant?
Non-chemical solutions are relevant because producers and feed manufacturers are looking for practical ways to support feed hygiene while aligning with modern animal nutrition, sustainability and consumer expectations.
Which additives showed the strongest effect?
In the study, Phyto.A04, Phyto.B and especially combinations of plant-based additives with an organic acid blend showed strong antiviral activity against ASFV in contaminated feed.
