Risk factors associated with the occurrence of African swine fever in Benin.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs that cause high mortality and threatens the swine industry. In Benin where the virus was first identified in 1997, epidemiological data remain limited. This study assessed potential factors associated with reported ASF occurrence in pig farms in southern Benin using 42 questions survey administered to 215 pig farms. Data collected followed descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Of the surveyed farms, 100 reported at least one ASF outbreak between 1998 and 2020. Univariate analysis identified several risk factors, including raising local pigs (OR = 2.4), urban farm location (OR = 2.09), purchasing pigs for herd renewal (OR = 1.93), and the presence of ticks (OR = 2.34). Protective factors included farm with a fence (OR = 0.44), gates (OR = 0.53), restricted farm access (OR = 0,5), raising improved pigs (OR = 0.42), confinement system (OR = 0.32), on-site staff (OR = 0.24), and daily slurry collection (OR = 0.45). Multivariate analysis showed that purchasing pigs for herd renewal was the primary risk factor (OR = 3.25), while tick presence on farms (adjusted OR = 2.197) remained positively associated and daily slurry collection (OR = 0.378) was protective. These results indicate that animal introduction practices and farm hygiene are key drivers of ASF risk. Strengthening biosecurity particularly controlling pig purchases and improving sanitation can significantly reduce ASF occurrence in southern Benin.