After infection, the animals develop very severe but non-specific symptoms. Transmission occurs through direct animal contact. Humans can also become indirect carriers if food waste from pork products is carelessly disposed of in nature rather than in trash cans. There are also indirect transmission routes via vehicles, contaminated equipment, devices, machines, and clothing from affected regions.

African swine fever is not a zoonosis, meaning it cannot be transmitted from infected animals to humans. Other domestic or wild animals are also not at risk.

The German government is attempting to reduce the spread of the virus and its negative consequences for agricultural businesses in Germany through a wide range of measures. The measures prescribed as part of the disease control program may result in massive restrictions on the use of agricultural land in the restricted areas.