African Swine Fever (ASF) is a haemorrhagic viral disease that affects pets and wild pigs. ASF disease is highly contagious and estimated to result in a 100% mortality rate in infected pigs. African Swine Fever Virus is not only threatening for animals, but it has posed a significant economic crisis for the pork industry and trade as a whole.
In this post, we will discuss the key factors to control and prevent African Swine Fever Virus infection
How African Swine Fever Virus Spreads?
Understanding the causes and potential sources of African Swine Fever Virus infection is a most crucial aspect to control and prevent animal disease. The disease can be transmitted to pigs through direct contact with infected pigs, faeces, body fluids, food waste or feeding them food containing infected or undercooked pork. If even one pig gets infected, the entire herd may need to be destroyed to prevent further spread.
While this animal disease is not transmitted to humans, but can be a silent spreader of pathogens by carrying it on clothing, shoes, equipment, vehicles, or other materials. Global trade and travel are big risk factors to cause african swine fever among healthy pigs.
Signs of African Swine Fever Infection
It is important to stay well informed about symptoms of African swine fever infection. This can help to recognise any easy signs of illness in pigs. After contracting the infection, symptoms may appear anywhere between 2 to 15 days.
Crucial African Swine Fever symptoms and signs to look out for –
- High fever
- Decreased appetite and weakness
- Blotchy reddening of the ears
- Red blotchy skin or skin lesions
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Coughing
- Labored breathing
Reporting Suspected Cases
Spotting the early symptoms is key to preventing the spread of African swine fever. If you notice any of the above signs in your animals, it is highly important to immediately report to State or Federal animal health officials or make a call to USDA for further investigation.
Protecting Your Pigs
Ability of African swine fever virus to survive on inanimate surfaces appears to be another big challenge to control infection spread. Hence, it is critical to strengthen the farm’s biosecurity to keep animals safe and protected. Here are some measures to consider
- Work with your veterinarian to enhance practices that limit on-farm traffic.
- Implement proper cleaning and disinfection strategies for people, equipment, and vehicles entering and leaving the site. Recommend to use disinfectant claiming to have virucidal action against ASF virus.
- Set up and maintain barriers and marked lines of separation to restrict access to production sites.
- Regularly monitor the health of pigs, and if any signs of African swine fever are observed, promptly isolate them from healthy animals.
- Regularly train staff on biosecurity measures.
- Ensure strict protocols for the movement of animals.
- Control wildlife, rodents, and insects.
- Ensure proper management of manure and disposal of carcasses.
For more detailed biosecurity best practices and control measures, visit the USDA website.
Our role in to fight against the African Swine Fever
African Swine Fever has become an alarming concern due to its high transmission and fatality rate. This does necessitate the need for effective strategies to eliminate the virus and control its spread.
At MIS, we understand the gravity of the situation and are here to assist companies and clients in evaluating the efficacy of their products having virucidal action against the African Swine Fever virus.
Our state-of-the-art testing facilities are well-equipped to perform antiviral/virucidal evaluations with precision and accuracy. Our expert microbiologists are at the forefront of undertaking testing analysis and comprehending customers’ requirements.
For your microbiology testing needs, talk to our experts here.
