African Swine Fever (ASF), Symptoms, Transmission and Prevention

Context: A recent outbreak of African Swine Fever has been reported in Thrissur, Kerala.

African Swine Fever (ASF)

• African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs.
• The causative agent of African Swine Fever is a large, enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus, classified as the only member of the genus Asfivirus within the Asfarviridae family.
• The virus infects the macrophages(immune system cells) in lymph nodes and major organs (such as liver, kidney, etc.)

Symptoms of African Swine Fever

• High fever, loss of appetite, weakness.
• Reddened or darkened skin, particularly ears and snout.
• Diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing.
• Abortions, stillbirths, weak piglets.

Transmission

• Direct contact with infected animals
• Indirect contact through ingestion of products from infected animals, contact with contaminated clothing, vehicles or equipment
• Bites by infectious soft ticks (where present)

Other Related Information for African Swine Fever

• The virus can survive for extended periods in pork and pork products.
• African Swine Fever is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa but has spread to other regions, including Asia and Europe.
• This virus is harmless to humans, pork and pork products from infected pigs are safe for human consumption.
• There is no cure or precaution available for the infection yet.
• Controlling the spread of African Swine Fever primarily involves culling the infected animals.
• No cure or vaccine exists, so prevention is crucial.
• ASF has never been found in the United States and many countries are working hard to keep it out.
• Biosecurity measures on farms are essential to prevent the spread.
• Properly cooked pork products are safe to eat.

Sharing is caring!