Update of African Swine Fever in Asia

 

 

The outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) is ongoing in Asia, especially in Cambodia, China, North Korea, Laos, Philippine, Mongolia and Vietnam [1]. The outbreak was first reported in northeastern China in August 2018, and then it has jumped the border to neighboring countries. The latest data provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that almost 5 million pigs in Asia have died or been culled because of infection [2]. The current losses represent more than 10% of the total pig population in each outbreak occurring country. Other countries including Japan, the U.S., and countries in Europe are also ramping up preparation to prevent the virus enter and disease spread.

 

 

ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease with high mortality rates in domestic and wild pigs [3]. It is caused by a virus within the Asfarviridae family. The virus can be transmitted by infected ticks and contaminated pork products, but it does not spread and cause disease among humans. Acute forms of ASF are characterized by high fever, depression, loss of appetite, hemorrhages in skin, vomiting and finally death. In milder infections, infected pigs may lose weight and develop signs of pneumonia, skin ulcers and swollen joints. ASF may be suspected based on clinical signs, but confirmation needs to be made with laboratory test [3]. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for prevention and treatment. Culling and limiting transportation of infected pork and pork product are options for preventing transmission. Outbreaks of ASF have been reported in Africa, Europe and Asia in the past decades.