African swine fever: an epidemiological update

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Disease control and eradication
• Animal health economics

Background:

• African swine fever (ASF) poses major sanitary and socioeconomic threats to the swine industry globally.
• The disease's incidence has risen, spreading across Africa and into new regions like the Caucasus and Europe, increasing global trade risks.
• The European Union faces heightened concerns due to ASF's proximity to its borders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of African swine fever (ASF) epidemiology.
• To discuss key issues and strategies for improving ASF control and eradication efforts.
• To highlight challenges and future research needs for global ASF prevention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological data on ASF.
• Analysis of disease transmission dynamics, including tick-borne aspects.
• Examination of control strategies, surveillance programs, and risk reduction measures.

Main Results:

• ASF virus (ASFV) control is complicated by the absence of vaccines, virus resistance, and intricate epidemiology.
• The disease has expanded geographically, posing a significant risk to unaffected regions, particularly the EU.
• Effective control requires comprehensive surveillance, eradication programs, and collaboration among veterinarians, farmers, and policymakers.

Conclusions:

• ASF eradication is a complex, long-term challenge demanding coordinated international efforts.
• ASF-free countries must implement robust risk-reduction measures, including trade and sanitary controls.
• Continued research is crucial to support global strategies for ASF prevention and control.