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African Swine Fever

Posted on August 3, 2022 by admin1  59

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)

  • Intergovernmental organisation responsible for improving animal health worldwide.
  • Established as Office International des Epizooties (OIE) in January 1924 & got its current name in May 2003.
  • Recognition: As a reference organisation by the World Trade Organization.
  • Members: 182 countries in 2018.
  • Headquarters: Paris
  • Finances: Compulsory annual & voluntary contributions.

Source: TH

 
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