Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025
05:59
Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
9.5K
Artificial Insemination as an Alternative Transmission Route for African Swine Fever Virus
Virginia Friedrichs1, Darwin Reicks2, Tobias Hasenfuß3
1Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2022
Summary
African swine fever virus (ASFV) can spread efficiently through artificial insemination (AI) from infected boars to gilts. This study highlights a significant risk for widespread ASFV transmission in pig populations via contaminated semen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Animal Reproduction
- Disease Transmission
Background:
- African swine fever virus (ASFV) poses a significant threat to global pig populations and industries.
- Understanding alternative transmission routes is crucial for effective disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for ASFV transmission via artificial insemination (AI).
- To assess the role of boar semen in the dissemination of ASFV.
Main Methods:
- Boars were inoculated with ASFV strain 'Estonia 2014'.
- Blood and semen were collected daily post-inoculation.
- Semen was used to inseminate naïve gilts.
- Gilts were monitored for ASFV infection and reproductive outcomes.
Main Results:
- ASFV genomes were detected in boar semen as early as 2 days post-inoculation (dpi).
- Inseminated gilts became infected with ASFV, with 7/14 positive by 7 days post-insemination and all positive by 35 days.
- Most pregnant gilts experienced abortions or fetal resorption.
- ASFV was detected in fetal tissues, indicating transmission to embryos.
Conclusions:
- Artificial insemination is an efficient route for ASFV transmission from boars to gilts.
- Boar semen can play a critical role in the rapid and widespread dissemination of ASFV.
- These findings emphasize the need for stringent biosecurity measures in AI practices to prevent ASFV spread.
