In 2023, Europe saw a significant rise in animal diseases, with African swine fever (ASF) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) being the most prevalent. ASF was detected in wild boars across 14 EU and six third European countries, including new cases in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo and Sweden. The virus also infiltrated commercial pig herds in 16 countries, notably Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Romania. Meanwhile, China is preparing to lift a five-year ban on Belgian meat and pork products, initially imposed due to ASF outbreaks.