In News
- Recently, African Swine Fever has been confirmed for the first time, at a private pig farm in Kerala, after more than 15 pigs on the farm had died due to the disease in the last ten days.
About African Swine Fever (ASF)
- Cause: Large DNA virus of the Asfarviridae family.
- Only virus with a double-stranded DNA genome known to be transmitted by arthropods.
- Affects domestic & wild pigs.
- Symptoms: Includes weight loss, intermittent fever, respiratory signs, chronic skin ulcers & arthritis. Acute forms are characterised by anorexia, loss of appetite & haemorrhages in the skin.
- Transmission: Through natural hosts (warthogs, bushpigs & ticks) acting as vectors & by direct/indirect contact with infected pigs, their faeces & body fluids.
- Vaccination: No approved vaccine yet.
- Geographical Distribution: First detected in Kenya in 1909 & currently found in Asia, Europe & Africa.
- Public Health Risk: Not risky for humans.
Concerns
- Extremely high potential for transboundary spread.
- Can hamper global food security & household income.
Preventive Steps
- Application of classic sanitary measures, early detection & humane killing of animals.
- Thorough disinfection, stricter biosecurity norms & restricted supply from affected areas.
- Proper scanning & guarding of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Reserve Forests.
- Preventing wild pig populations from leaving their habitats.
- Careful culling & disposal of carcasses under biosafety guidelines.
|
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
|
Source: TH
