Facts about African Swine Fever

Facts about African Swine Fever
5 Facts about African Swine Fever (Image from Pig World)

The African Swine Fever or ASF is now in the Philippines as confirmed by the Department of Agriculture. The ASF caused panic not just to the pig farm owner but also to the consumers. Wrong assumptions related to ASF could easily circulate online and could misinform the Filipinos. Here is a list of facts about African Swine Fever from The Center for Food Security and Public Health.

Facts about African Swine Fever

  1. What is ASF?

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease of pigs that can spread very rapidly in pig herds.

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2. What animals can get ASF?

ASF affects members of the pig family, including domesticated swine, wild boars, feral swine, warthogs, bush pigs, and giant forest hogs.

3. How can an animal get ASF?

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A pig which ingested uncooked/undercooked contaminated pork products will quickly get ASF. The virus can also be transferred through direct contact with an infected animal, its body fluids (nasal, oral, feces, blood) or tissues (meat), or indirectly from contact with contaminated objects (fomites), such as vehicles, equipment, footwear or clothing.

Some species of ticks (vector) can transmit the virus. Bloodsucking flies or insects may possibly spread the virus between pigs. Aerosol transmission is limited.

4. What are its effects on the pig?

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It causes high fever, decreased appetite, and weakness. The skin may be reddened, blotchy, or have blackened lesions, especially on the ears, tail, and lower legs. Other signs may include diarrhea, abortion, and respiratory illness (nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing). Death usually occurs within 7 to 10 days, but sudden death is possible in newly exposed herds.

5. Can humans get African Swine fever?

NO. Humans are not susceptible to the African swine fever virus.

If you suspect ASF in your area, report it to the authorities immediately to contain the disease and prevent it from spreading. The ASF is expected to affect pork products prices in the country.

Also read:African swine fever killed pigs in Rizal and Bulacan