Difference between revisions of "African Swine Fever"
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| − | ==Introduction== | + | == Introduction == |
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| − | + | African Swine Fever ocurs after infection by the Asfarviridae family of viruses. ASF is a serious exotic virus that should not be confused with [[Classical Swine Fever]] although the signs are similar for the two diseases.<br> | |
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| − | + | African Swine Fever is currently an exotic disease to the UK and is notifiable. The virus is spread either by direct contact with carrier pigs, by aerosol or from infected swill. It can also be transmitted by soft ticks in Africa. The virus is relatively difficult to eliminate and can persist on infected premises for months. Sub-acutely infected recovered pigs become antibody- positive carriers. | |
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| − | = | + | == Clinical Signs == |
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| − | = | + | In the acute form of the virus, that is usually seen in Africa, signs may include n<span style="font-style: italic;">a</span>sal discharge, diarrhoea, enlarged lymph nodes and reddening of the skin, especially around the ears. Death usually occus within 7 days. |
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| − | + | In the subacute form of the virus that normally occurs in Europe, mortality is not as common, with only a 30- 70% mortality rate. Survivors may lose body condition and have skin ulcers and joint swelling<br> | |
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| − | + | == Diagnosis == | |
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| − | + | It is important to be able to distinguish ASF from Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS), as all three have similar clinical signs. Tests need to be performed to rule out the differentials.<br> | |
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| + | At post mortem there may be widespread internal haemorrhage, as well as petichael haemorrhages under the kidney capsule and in lymph nodes. <br> | ||
| − | + | Immunofluorescence and PCR test are available for confirmation | |
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| − | [[Category:Asfarviridae]] | + | == Control == |
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| − | [[Category:To_Do_- | + | No vaccine is available and in countries such as the UK, where infection is exotic, all animals with the disease must be humanely destroyed.<br> |
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| + | Prevention control measures include boiling swill, isolation of sick pigs and domestic pigs from wild pigs.In Africa, a control mechanism is to keep pigs on concrete, not soil (to lessen tick contact). | ||
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| + | <br> | ||
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| + | == References<br> == | ||
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| + | Straw, B.E. and Taylor, D.J. (2006) Disease of Swine Wiley-Blackwell<br>Taylor, D.J. (2006) Pig Diseases (Eighth edition) St Edmunsdbury Press ltd<br> | ||
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| + | <br> | ||
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| + | == Literature Search == | ||
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| + | [[Image:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]] | ||
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| + | <br> Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation). <br><br><br> [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093263092.pdf '''Review of African swine fever: transmission, spread and control.''' Penrith, M. L.; Vosloo, W.; South African Veterinary Association, Pretoria, South Africa, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2009, 80, 2, pp 58-62, 75 ref. - '''Full Text Article'''] | ||
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| + | [[Category:Asfarviridae]] [[Category:Pig_Viruses]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Review]] | ||
Revision as of 14:05, 16 March 2011
Introduction
African Swine Fever ocurs after infection by the Asfarviridae family of viruses. ASF is a serious exotic virus that should not be confused with Classical Swine Fever although the signs are similar for the two diseases.
African Swine Fever is currently an exotic disease to the UK and is notifiable. The virus is spread either by direct contact with carrier pigs, by aerosol or from infected swill. It can also be transmitted by soft ticks in Africa. The virus is relatively difficult to eliminate and can persist on infected premises for months. Sub-acutely infected recovered pigs become antibody- positive carriers.
Clinical Signs
In the acute form of the virus, that is usually seen in Africa, signs may include nasal discharge, diarrhoea, enlarged lymph nodes and reddening of the skin, especially around the ears. Death usually occus within 7 days.
In the subacute form of the virus that normally occurs in Europe, mortality is not as common, with only a 30- 70% mortality rate. Survivors may lose body condition and have skin ulcers and joint swelling
Diagnosis
It is important to be able to distinguish ASF from Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS), as all three have similar clinical signs. Tests need to be performed to rule out the differentials.
At post mortem there may be widespread internal haemorrhage, as well as petichael haemorrhages under the kidney capsule and in lymph nodes.
Immunofluorescence and PCR test are available for confirmation
Control
No vaccine is available and in countries such as the UK, where infection is exotic, all animals with the disease must be humanely destroyed.
Prevention control measures include boiling swill, isolation of sick pigs and domestic pigs from wild pigs.In Africa, a control mechanism is to keep pigs on concrete, not soil (to lessen tick contact).
References
Straw, B.E. and Taylor, D.J. (2006) Disease of Swine Wiley-Blackwell
Taylor, D.J. (2006) Pig Diseases (Eighth edition) St Edmunsdbury Press ltd
Literature Search
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Review of African swine fever: transmission, spread and control. Penrith, M. L.; Vosloo, W.; South African Veterinary Association, Pretoria, South Africa, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2009, 80, 2, pp 58-62, 75 ref. - Full Text Article