African swine fever (ASF) is currently one of the most severe viral infections of domestic pigs, wild boars, and other hosts belonging to Suidae family. ASF is also considered as the most complex and devastating infectious and haemorrhagic disease of swine due to its severe socio-economic impact and transboundary character. ASF it is a notifiable disease and due to the lack of specific treatment and vaccine, the disease can be only limited by the administrative measures comprising wild boar hunting and stamping out of affected pigs. ASF occurred for the first time in Kenya in 1921 while in Europe (Portugal) the virus was detected at the end of the 1950s. In spite of successful eradication of this threat in a number of affected regions, the virus remains endemic in both feral and domestic pigs in Africa and Sardinia. The ‘new era’ of ASF started in 2007 after its re-introduction to Georgia. Following its intensive expansion, the virus spread to other Caucasian countries, including the territory of the Russian Federation. In 2014 the virus reached Ukraine, Belarus, and, consequently, European Union countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland. The occurrence of ASF in wild boars and pigs had a severe impact on both epidemiology and economy because of the national and international transport and trade consequences. Up to date, starting from the February 2014, eighty ASF cases in wild boar and three outbreaks in domestic pigs have been diagnosed. Taking into account the diverse rate of spread in Poland, this review aims to present and discuss the current state of knowledge on ASF including its epidemiology, pathology, transmission, and perspectives of control.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes one of the most dangerous diseases of pigs and wild boar – African swine fever (ASF). Since its second introduction into Europe (in 2007), the disease has been spreading consistently, and now ASF-free European countries are at risk. Complex interactions between the host’s immune system and the virus have long prevented the development of a safe vaccine against ASF. This study analysed the possibility of neutralisation of the ASFV in vitro by sera collected from ASF-survivor animals.

The molecular contamination of an animal facility was investigated during and after an infection with highly pathogenic African swine fever virus (ASFV) among domestic pigs. The investigation evaluated the risk of indirect transmission of the disease and indicated points that may facilitate cleaning and disinfection processes.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of African swine fever (ASF) disease in Benin. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 70 pig farms from the Departement of Atlantique and Oueme and also by using the data available from the Directorate of Livestock on the spread of ASF in Benin from 2014 to 2018. The prevalence of ASF was assessed with 106 nasal swabs from apparently healthy domestic pigs and 15 organ samples from dead ASF-suspected pigs. ASF virus detection was carried out by conventional polymerase chain reac¬tion using Qiagen Kit for DNA extraction. Data recorded were processed with SAS software (2006). Results: It appears that ASF is an endemic disease in Benin with the Department of Oueme as the hotspot of dissemination of the virus in the country. The losses due to ASF recorded from 2014 to 2018 are evaluated to 884,850,000 CFA Franc by estimating the average cost of a pig at 25,000 FCFA. A prevalence of 1.89% (CI at 95%, 0.713.49) was recorded for live animals with a positive result in organs from all dead pigs suspected of ASF. Breeding practices related to the sharing of breeding males, scavenging pigs, and non-compliance with biosecurity measures were the risk factors identified. Conclusion: The present study sheds light on the areas prone to the ASF virus in Benin. Moreover, the cross-sectional data recorded on the prevalence of ASF will help to better rule on the spread of the disease. It would be interesting for the Beninese Republic to increase its efforts for ASF control. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(3.000): 464-470]

Objective: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of African swine fever (ASF) in pigs for slaughter in Leyte, Philippines. It underpins the concept that recovered and infected pigs from ASF are likely sent for slaughter to avoid perceived economic losses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 in eight abattoirs, each representing both a city and a municipality in Leyte province. A total of 218 blood samples from 78 farms were examined for ASF virus (ASFV) (VP72) antibodies using a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Descriptive and seroprevalence analyses were performed. Results: ASF antibodies were detected in pigs for slaughter from abattoirs in Baybay and Ormoc cities, showing a seroprevalence of 3.57% (1/28 pigs) and 2.27% (1/44 pigs), respectively. An apparent absence of ASF antibodies was observed among pigs for slaughter in Isabel, Villaba, Abuyog, Kananga, Dulag, and Macarthur. The farm-level seroprevalence was 2.56% (95% CI: 0.71%–8.88%), while the pig-level seroprevalence was 0.91% (95% CI: 0.25%–3.27%). Conclusion: Detecting ASF antibodies among pigs for slaughter implies exposure to the virus from the farm of origin. This means that, on some farms, ASF remains unreported or undiagnosed. Active surveillance is needed for early case detection and rapid response to control the spread of ASF in the country. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2024; 11(1.000): 65-70]