African Swine Fever (ASF)

African Swine Fever (ASF)

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and lethal viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boar caused by a large DNA virus in the Asfarviridae family. ASF has no vaccine or treatment and is notifiable due to its devastating impact on pig populations and international trade.

Transmission occurs via:

• Direct contact with infected animals or carcasses
• Contaminated feed, fomites, or insect vectors (e.g., soft ticks)
• Feeding of swill containing contaminated pork products

Clinical signs vary with viral strain and may include:

• High fever, inappetence, lethargy
• Cyanosis of ears/extremities, bloody diarrhea, abortion
• Sudden death with few or no signs
• Chronic forms may present with weight loss, joint swelling, or respiratory signs

qPCR testing enables:

• Highly sensitive and specific detection of ASF virus DNA from whole blood, spleen, tonsil, lymph nodes, or environmental swabs
• Early detection in clinically normal carriers, essential for movement control and outbreak prevention
• Fast confirmation for epidemiological tracing and emergency response

qPCR is the gold standard for ASF diagnosis in national and international surveillance programs.

This test supports:

• Rapid outbreak containment and zone demarcation
• Certification of ASF-free herds or regions
• Enhanced biosecurity measures and emergency preparedness

Due to its severity and zoonotic potential for economic disruption (not human illness), all suspected cases must be reported immediately to veterinary authorities.