Dissemination of the results is a key objective within the network to ensure synergism within the Action and availability, to both Action members and stakeholders, of state of the art methodologies in the monitoring and contingency of ASF (for further details on the Dissemination Plan, please see section below).
For this reason we have grouped in this page relevant documents and information on African Swine Fever, that will be regularly updated as soon as new information are available.
This study, conducted in Lithuania, monitored pig carcasses disposed in the forest to see if they could be a source of ASF transmission in wild boar. Although direct contacts were rather seldom, but potentially enough. This behaviour and the conditions necessary for infection might explain the relative slow progression in affected countries.
Although the number of samples originating from wild boar killed in a road traffic accident was low and so was the ASF prevalence in these animals. The authors recommend to sample wild boar killed in a road traffic accident to a greater extent, also to explore, if this approach can increase the detection probability, and to avoid missing disease introduction.
Wild boar play a key role in the spread of ASF, yet despite their significance, little is known about the key mechanisms that drive infection transmission and disease persistence. Our colleagues developed a mathematical model of the wild boar ASF system, considering the observed drop in population density, the peak in infected density and the persistence of the virus observed in ASF outbreaks. The model results provide insight into the key processes that drive the ASF dynamics and show that environmental transmission is a key mechanism determining the severity of an infectious outbreak and that direct frequency dependent transmission and transmission from individuals that survive initial ASF infection but eventually succumb to the disease are key for the long-term persistence of the virus. Furthermore, they highlight the problems connected to supplementary feeding. They also use the presented modelto assess disease control measures and suggests that a combination of culling and infected carcass removal is the most effective method to eradicate the virus without also eradicating the host population, and that early implementation of these control measures will reduce infection levels whilst maintaining a higher host population density and in some situations prevent ASF from establishing in a population.
Viral DNA - Host nucleus interaction for vaccine development
02/04/2020
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Viral DNA - Host nucleus interaction for vaccine development
Description
A review by our WG1 on the interaction between the ASF virus and the host nucleus to contribute to underpin rational strategies for vaccine candidates development.
Disease dynamics in experimentally infected wild boar
10/08/2019
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Disease dynamics in experimentally infected wild boar
Description
In Europe and, probably, in Asia African swine fever (ASF) established a self-sustaining cycle within the wild boar population. In this review WG1 gathered the most relevant information on infection dynamics, disease pathogenesis and immune response in experimentally infected wild boar and feral pigs. They identified knowledge gaps in areas such as disease pathogenesis and immune response, highlighting the importance of focusing future studies on unravelling the early mechanisms of virus-cell interaction and innate and adaptive immune response. Topics that would contribute to the development of efficacious treatments/vaccines against ASF virus.
Animal diseases constitute a continuing threat to animal health, food safety, national economy, and the environment. Among those, African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most devastating viruses a ecting pigs and wild suids due to the lack of vaccine or e ective treatment. This review highlights recent discoveries in basic virology with special focus on proteomic analysis, replication cycle, and some recent data on genes involved in cycle progression and viral–host interactions.
Although ASF is typically associated with very high case fatality rates, a certain proportion of infected animals will recover from the infection and survive. Early on it was speculated that such survivors may act as carriers of the virus, and the importance of such carries for disease persistence and spread has since then almost become an established truth. Some of our members performed a systematic review of the available literature on the topic where they show that, till now, any survivor was named "carrier". However, they found no evidence suggesting that any of the identified categories of survivors could be considered as “healthy” carriers, i.e. pigs that show no sign of disease but can transmit the virus through contact.
Using camera traps the authors investigate the potential role of scavengers in the spread of African Swine Fever. Their results show that scavengers represent a minor risk factor for spreading ASF, but may contribute to reducing local virus persistence by metabolizing infected carcasses.
Analysis of Estonian surveillance in wild boar suggests a decline in the incidence of African swine fever
06/27/2019
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Analysis of Estonian surveillance in wild boar suggests a decline in the incidence of African swine fever
Description
African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar populations is difficult to control. In this paper our COST members used data on ASF prevalence, wild boar density and temporal trends to investigate the disease trend. They found that, in areas, where the epidemic had already lasted for a long time, a small number of new cases emerged recently. The prevalence of samples that were only seropositive was significantly higher in these regions as compared to areas, where the epidemic is in full progress. The observed course of the disease could be the beginning of an ASF endemicity in this region. However, the results may also indicate that ASF has started to subside in the areas that were first affected in Estonia.
First Oral Vaccination of Eurasian Wild Boar Against African Swine Fever Virus Genotype II
05/09/2019
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First Oral Vaccination of Eurasian Wild Boar Against African Swine Fever Virus Genotype II
Description
This is the first report of an oral vaccine against African swine fever. The vaccine conferred 92% protection against challenge with a virulent ASF virus isolate (Arm07). Although further studies should assess the safety of repeated administration and overdose, characterize long-term shedding and verify the genetic stability of the vaccine virus to confirm if it could be used for free-ranging wild boar in ASF control programs, it is a promising results.
Epidemiological considerations on African swine fever in Europe 2014–2018
01/11/2019
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Epidemiological considerations on African swine fever in Europe 2014–2018
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A review paper summarising the finding on ASF epidemics over the past 4 years, including human responsibilities, wild boar role and the importance of social science when planning ASF-prevention, −control, or -eradication measures.
In an attempt to explain infection in high biosecurity farms, pigs were allowed to ingest flies that had fed on ASFV-spiked blood, which had a realistic titre for an infected pig. Some of the pigs became infected with the virus. Thus, ingestion of blood-sucking flies, having fed on ASFV-infected wild boar or pigs from another farm before entering stables, represents a potential route for disease transmission.
An investigation has been conducted on a large commercial pig breeding farm in Latvia, to understand how ASF got into the farm. Here you can find the results of such an investigation
The intracellular proteome of African swine fever virus
10/04/2018
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The intracellular proteome of African swine fever virus
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Protein expression of ASF virus has been investigated to understand the virus cycle. The researchers provide first evidence for the expression of 23 so far uncharacterized ASFV ORFs. Expression levels of several newly identified ASFV proteins were remarkably high indicating importance in the viral replication cycle. Moreover, expression profiles of these proteins differed markedly between susceptible and non-susceptible species
Relevant Measures to Prevent the Spread of African Swine Fever in the European Union Domestic Pig Sector
05/31/2018
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Relevant Measures to Prevent the Spread of African Swine Fever in the European Union Domestic Pig Sector
Description
A thoughtful review on methods and practices that would prevent the spread of ASF in the EU domestic pig sector. They considered commercial, non-commercial, and outdoor farms. So please take your time to read it and find the practices that would keep your farm safe
Identification of Wild Boar–Habitat Epidemiologic Cycle in African Swine Fever Epizootic
04/11/2018
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Publication Name
Identification of Wild Boar–Habitat Epidemiologic Cycle in African Swine Fever Epizootic
Description
In this paper an international collaborative team within the Action investigated the epidemiologic cycle of ASF in Eastern Europe. They identified a new component involving virus transmission by wild boar and virus survival in the environment. Please check the paper for more details.
Here you can find information on several aspects of African swine fever, going from the virus and the disease itself to its transmission, but also practical suggestions on how to act to prevent its spread and the European regulations concerning the disease. Documents in this section have been developed within the Action or by our partners (see table for details) and, in some case, are available in multiple languages.
In Serbia, official representatives from the Forest Service, Veterinary Directorate, Veterinary Chamber of Serbia and the Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad” came together to work with the public and increase the number of reported dead wild boar. Dead animals might be the first sign of African Swine Fever and swift reaction is paramount to eradicate this disease. The poster targets hunters but also any other citizens, people from villages, mushroom pickers, or anyone who spend some free time in the open area, close to the wood and who may noticed something suspicious, that look like a group of wild boar with unusual behaviour and/or dead animals. By this poster they are informed that they can simply call a local representative of the hunting club or hunting association i.e. person in charge to inform asap officially veterinary representative.
We are pleased to inform you that our final conference "African swine fever: knowledge and future challenges; contribution from the COST Action ASF-STOP" will be held in Brescia (Italy) 29-30 January 2020. The event will be organised by Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER). Please find more details in the attachment.
In this flyer you will find a brief summary on what ASF is and why it is important to prevent its spread. Additionally, you will find information on Customs import to Republic of Serbia regulations. More information can be found at the webpage (http://www.vet.minpolj.gov.rs/srb/africka-kuga-svinja)
In this flyer you will find important information on what to do and how to behave to prevent ASF, including biosecurity measures. The flyer is in Serbian and was developed by Serbian experts, specifically targeting Republic of Serbia situation. More information can be found at their official webpage (http://www.vet.minpolj.gov.rs/srb/africka-kuga-svinja)
In this flyer you will find important information on what to do and how to behave, during your hunting practice, to prevent ASF. The flyer is in Serbian and was developed by Serbian experts, specifically targeting Republic of Serbia situation. More information can be found at their official webpage (http://www.vet.minpolj.gov.rs/srb/africka-kuga-svinja)
Article on the protection of the Spanish pig sector
Outreach article
06/01/2018
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Article on the protection of the Spanish pig sector
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The paper, in Spanish, addresses the strengths and importance of the pig sector in Spain, while identifying practices that would help preserving its health and, thus, productivity. The paper can be found at http://www.euroganaderia.eu/ganaderia/reportajes/proteger-al-sector-porcino-extensivo-en-espana_3053_6_4564_0_1_in.html?npag=1
Hunters can make the difference - for better or worse - in the spread of African Swine Fever. Here are some important information you should be aware of. Your collaboration is vital, please help us.
These pictures of dead domestic pigs and their disposal were courtesy provided by the Federal Research Center for Virology nad Microbiology. Please contact Denis Kolbasov (kolbasovdenis@gmail.com) before use.
Pictures from animal experiments carried out at DTU National Veterinary Institute, Lindholm (Denmark). Figure caption and description can be found in the world document.
Copyright belongs to DTU, please contact Louise Lohse (loloh@vet.dtu.dk) before use for permission. The pictures cannot be forwarded to third parties.
Information on ASF for hunters (in German, French and Italian)
Flyer
03/16/2018
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File Name
Information on ASF for hunters (in German, French and Italian)
Description
Zentrum für Fisch- und Wildtiermedizin (FIWI) and Swiss authorities information for hunters. The flyer, available in three languages, also contains relevant pictures.
