African Swine Fever Overview
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic pigs and wild suids, causing severe hemorrhagic fever with devastating mortality rates.
Etiological Agent
African Swine Fever (ASF) is caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), a large double-stranded DNA virus from the Asfarviridae family. It primarily affects pigs, causing severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates.
Species Affected
African Swine Fever (ASF) affects domestic pigs and wild suids, including:
- Wild boars (Sus scrofa)
- Warthogs (Phacochoerus spp.)
- Bush pigs (Potamochoerus spp.)
- Giant forest hogs (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni)
Wild suids often act as reservoirs without showing clinical signs.
Clinical Signs
African Swine Fever (ASF) presents different symptoms depending on the form of the disease:
Acute Cases (Near 100% Mortality):
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
- Skin discoloration
- Respiratory distress
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Internal hemorrhages
Chronic Cases (Lower Mortality):
- Weight loss
- Skin ulcers
- Joint swelling
- Respiratory issues
Preventive Measures
🔒 Strict Biosecurity
- Limit farm access
- Disinfect equipment
- Control feed sources
🐗 Avoid Wild Pig Contact
- Use secure fencing
- Prevent wild suid interactions
🔥 Proper Carcass Disposal
- Burn or bury infected animals
- Prevent virus spread
🦟 Control Soft Tick Populations
- Remove tick habitats
- Use insecticides if needed
🚫 Ban Feeding of Swill
- No kitchen waste feeding
- Ensure proper heat treatment of pig feed
🚧 Quarantine & Movement Control
- Restrict pig transport from infected areas
🚨 Early Detection and Reporting
Monitor symptoms closely and report suspected cases immediately to veterinary authorities.
Photos
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