African Swine Fever (ASF) – A major threat to piggery
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Chonmila Jelly
Viral diseases that impact pigs pose a significant threat to mortality rates and result in substantial economic losses for pig farmers. One such disease is African Swine Fever (ASF), which has breached the permeable boundaries of the Northeast states in India. In fact, it is also prevalent in Manipur. ASF is an extremely infectious viral disease that primarily affects both domestic pigs and wild boars, with a mortality rate of up to 100%. However, it does not pose any risk to human health.
How ASF is spread?
The spread of ASF can occur through various means. Direct contact with an infected or wild pig, whether alive or deceased, poses a risk. Consuming contaminated materials, such as food waste, feed, or garbage, and being near the carcass of infected pigs can also lead to infection. Additionally, biological vectors such as ticks may transmit the disease.
Symptoms
The unexpected demise of pigs without displaying any discernible symptoms is a concerning phenomenon. The presence of additional symptoms such as high fever ranging between 104-106 degrees Fahrenheit, anorexia, skin haemorrhages, vomiting and diarrhoea, respiratory distress, and bleeding from both the anal and nasal orifices, among others, further complicates the situation. Additionally, this disease can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, and weak litters. Mortality rate is high making ASF a particularly lethal disease. Most die within ten days.
How to diagnose ASF?
The distinction between African Swine Fever (ASF) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is crucial, as accurate diagnosis can only be made through laboratory testing. Clinical symptoms of the two conditions may be similar, making differentiation particularly challenging.
Treatment
There is no treatment or vaccine for ASF.When an outbreak occurs, many actions must be urgently set in place for its control.
· To prevent the spread of diseases, it is crucial to also implement strict biosecurity measures on farms and during transport of pigs and piglets.
· Ban on slaughter and transportation of pigs and pork.
· Follow strict bio- security measures in the farm.
· Strict hygiene and control of staffs and visitors’ movement in the farm.
· Isolate the sick animals from the healthy ones.
· Avoid ticks.
· Proper disposal of carcass followed by disinfection of the premises, designation of infected zone.
Report sick pigs
Protect your herd by knowing the signs and immediately reporting any sick pigs to your veterinarian or animal health officials for appropriate testing and investigation. Quick detection is essential to preventing the spread of ASF.
(The writer is a BVSc student at the College of Veterinary Sciences and AH Aizawl, Mizoram)
Viral diseases that impact pigs pose a significant threat to mortality rates and result in substantial economic losses for pig farmers. One such disease is African Swine Fever (ASF), which has breached the permeable boundaries of the Northeast states in India. In fact, it is also prevalent in Manipur. ASF is an extremely infectious viral disease that primarily affects both domestic pigs and wild boars, with a mortality rate of up to 100%. However, it does not pose any risk to human health.
How ASF is spread?
The spread of ASF can occur through various means. Direct contact with an infected or wild pig, whether alive or deceased, poses a risk. Consuming contaminated materials, such as food waste, feed, or garbage, and being near the carcass of infected pigs can also lead to infection. Additionally, biological vectors such as ticks may transmit the disease.
Symptoms
The unexpected demise of pigs without displaying any discernible symptoms is a concerning phenomenon. The presence of additional symptoms such as high fever ranging between 104-106 degrees Fahrenheit, anorexia, skin haemorrhages, vomiting and diarrhoea, respiratory distress, and bleeding from both the anal and nasal orifices, among others, further complicates the situation. Additionally, this disease can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, and weak litters. Mortality rate is high making ASF a particularly lethal disease. Most die within ten days.
How to diagnose ASF?
The distinction between African Swine Fever (ASF) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is crucial, as accurate diagnosis can only be made through laboratory testing. Clinical symptoms of the two conditions may be similar, making differentiation particularly challenging.
Treatment
There is no treatment or vaccine for ASF.When an outbreak occurs, many actions must be urgently set in place for its control.
· To prevent the spread of diseases, it is crucial to also implement strict biosecurity measures on farms and during transport of pigs and piglets.
· Ban on slaughter and transportation of pigs and pork.
· Follow strict bio- security measures in the farm.
· Strict hygiene and control of staffs and visitors’ movement in the farm.
· Isolate the sick animals from the healthy ones.
· Avoid ticks.
· Proper disposal of carcass followed by disinfection of the premises, designation of infected zone.
Report sick pigs
Protect your herd by knowing the signs and immediately reporting any sick pigs to your veterinarian or animal health officials for appropriate testing and investigation. Quick detection is essential to preventing the spread of ASF.
(The writer is a BVSc student at the College of Veterinary Sciences and AH Aizawl, Mizoram)