Asfarviridae family. This disease is of great sanitary and economic relevance to the global swine industry, as it presents high mortality rates and currently has no effective vaccine or treatment available.
ASFV is characterized by high environmental resistance and can remain viable for long periods in carcasses, meat products, blood, and secretions. Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, as well as indirectly through fomites, contaminated food waste, and biological vectors such as ticks of the genus Ornithodoros.
Clinically, African Swine Fever can manifest in peracute, acute, subacute, or chronic forms, depending on the virulence of the viral strain and the animal’s condition. Common clinical signs include high fever, apathy, anorexia, cutaneous and internal hemorrhages, respiratory and digestive disorders, abortions, and high mortality. In many outbreaks, progression is rapid, with deaths occurring within a few days after the onset of signs.
Prevention of African Swine Fever is fundamentally based on rigorous biosecurity measures. Key actions include controlling the movement of animals, people, and vehicles; restricting the entry of pork products of unknown origin; proper disposal of food waste; and strengthening sanitary surveillance on farms and in high-risk regions.
Laboratory diagnosis is essential for the early detection of ASF and the immediate adoption of containment measures. Molecular methods, such as real-time PCR, are widely used due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Rapid confirmation of suspected cases is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus.
In the absence of a vaccine, continuous epidemiological surveillance, combined with immediate notification of suspected cases and the implementation of contingency plans, constitutes the main strategy for controlling African Swine Fever. These actions are fundamental for protecting the swine industry, ensuring the sanitary safety of herds, and maintaining national and international trade in pork products.
