Porcine African Swine Fever Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious, hemorrhagic viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars with case fatality rates approaching 100% in acute infections. Caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), the sole member of the family Asfarviridae, ASF represents one of the most devastating threats to global swine production and food security.
ASF is a WOAH-listed reportable disease, meaning all cases must be reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Since 2007, ASFV genotype II has spread from Georgia to Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, causing billions of dollars in economic losses. There is NO commercially available vaccine or treatment, making biosecurity and early detection the primary control measures.
Etiology
Viral Characteristics
ASFV is a large, complex, enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus approximately 170-190 kilobases in size. It is the only member of the genus Asfivirus and family Asfarviridae. The virus is classified within the phylum Nucleocytoviricota and shares distant relationships with poxviruses and iridoviruses.
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