AFRICAN SWINE FEVER
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Causative Agent(s):
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). ASFV belongs to the Genus Asfivirus. It is a large icosahedral DNA virus and the only member of the family Asfarviridae.
Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology
ASF is endemic in more than 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease exists in the following forms: per acute, acute, subacute to chronic forms.
The clinical signs observed in the various forms are:
In the per acute form, sudden death occurs with few or no clinical signs. In endemic areas, subacute to chronic infection may occur.
The acute form of ASF is characterized by high mortality, fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, pulmonary oedema, extensive necrosis and haemorrhage of lymphoid tissues, abortion, haemorrhages in skin of the ears and flanks, epistaxis, melena, constipation, haemorrhagic discharges from the anus, hyperaemia and or cyanosis of the skin especially the skin of the extremities, ears, chest, abdomen, and perineum. In endemic situations, subacute or chronic forms are usually present. The subacute form is characterized numerous haemorrhagic lesions. In subclinical and chronic forms, lesions may be minimal or absent.
Diagnostic Considerations
African swine fever manifests the same clinical signs as other haemorrhagic diseases such as classical swine fever, classical swine fever and erysipelas therefore laboratory results is required to diagnose the disease.
The serological that are used are hemadsorption test and direct immunofluorescence test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is also used to diagnose the disease.
Management and Treatment
No treatment or effective vaccine against ASFV virus is available. Other approaches to reduce spread include:
- Restriction of movement of
- Institution of strict biosecurity measures in farms, markets, and slaughter
- Proper disposal of dead pigs such as incineration or