What is ASF?
African swine fever is a highly fatal viral disease of domestic pigs,warthogs and wild boar that manifests as a haemorrhagic fever and can kill upto 100% of the affected pigs.The disease is caused by Asfivirus which is a double stranded DNA virus of family Asfarviridae .The virus is harboured by a soft tick,Ornithodoros, that attaches to the underpart body of pigs, thus making it readily visible.
Although the virus does not cause disease in humans,the impact it has on the economy,especially through trade and farming is substantial. In India it was first confirmed in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in February-March 2020 .A total of 11 ASF outbreaks in different regions killed over 3700 pigs and devastated the economy of small-scale livestock owners of both the states. Currently, there is no effective vaccine available against ASF,so prevention by adopting strict biosecurity measures is the only way to prevent ASF.
ASF is spread by contact with infected animals’ body fluids. It can be spread by ticks that feed on infected animals. People are also a source of spread; as they can move the virus on vehicles or clothing. It can also be spread by feeding pigs uncooked garbage that contains infected pork products.
The signs of ASF include: high fever; decreased appetite; weakness; red, blotchy skin or skin lesions; diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing and difficulty breathing.
Preventive measures to control ASF :
– Complete ban on movement of live/dead pigs and meat products in and out of the infected area.
– Keep the newly purchased pigs in quarantine for 30-45 days.
– Prohibition of exchange of pigs for breeding.
– Do not sell sick pigs to traders/butchers.
– Humane slaughter of all pigs within a radius of 1km in case of ASF outbreak.
– During outbreak, leave the farm empty for 40 days after slaughtering of pigs and disinfecting the farm.
ASF has a devastating economic impact on pig farming industry due to high mortality rates and trade restrictions. Managing the disease involve strict biosecurity measures, diligent surveillance, controlled movement, humane culling and advanced research.
By implementing these strategies, the global swine industry can better protect against ASF, reduce its impact, and work towards long-term solutions for this challenging disease.
Chiging Riniya
3rd year Bvsc & AH student,
CVSCAH Selesih