African Swine Fever: Now in Widespread

African Swine Fever:
Now in Widespread
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large, double-stranded DNA virus in the Asfarviridae
family. It is the causative agent of African swine fever (ASF). The virus causes a haemorrhagic fever with high
mortality rates in domestic pigs; some isolates can cause death of animals as quickly as a week after infection.
It persistently infects its natural hosts, warthogs, bushpigs, and soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros, which
likely act as a vector, with no disease signs. It does not cause disease in humans.ASFV is endemic to sub-
Saharan Africa and exists in the wild through a cycle of infection between ticks and wild pigs, bushpigs, and
warthogs. The disease was first described after European settlers brought pigs into areas endemic with ASFV
and, as such, is an example of an 'emerging infectious disease'.
The disease threatens the P260-billion swine industry in the country. The industry provides
livelihood for millions of Filipino families, as small backyard raisers comprise roughly two-thirds or 65% of the
industry.The Philippines currently has 12 million hogs in its inventory.The DA said it has set aside P82 million
to prevent the further spread of ASF. The amount includes P3,000 in financial aid for each affected hog raiser.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that African swine fever (ASF) has caused
deaths of hundreds of pigs in several areas in the country. According to the National Meat Inspection Service
(NMIS), ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, warthogs, and boars.It causes pigs to have
high fever and lose their appetite. It also causes hemorrhages in the skin and internal organs.Death is certain.
Pigs die in a span of 2 to 10 days upon affliction.There is no known vaccine against ASF yet.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar said 7 areas in two provinces in Luzon have been affected by
ASF. These are:Rizal - San Jose, Macabud, San isidro, San Rafael, Mascap, and Cupang in Antipolo.Bulacan -
Guiguinto.According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, ASF has severely affected China, Mongolia,
Vietnam, Cambodia, some areas in South Korea, Laos, and Myanmar.ASF outbreaks have been detected in 32
provinces in China. Almost 1.2 million pigs there have been culled in an effort to halt the further spread of the
disease.
Also, The NMIS said ASF is not considered as a human health threat.However, humans can
become carriers of the virus once tainted pork is ingested or if people get close to the infected meat.The virus
can also survive even if the meat has been processed or canned.
Prior to the public announcement that ASF has caused hog deaths, the Philippine
government sent tissue samples to laboratories in the United Kingdom to determine the cause of death of the
pigs. While tests have confirmed that it was indeed ASF that caused the deaths, the particular strand of the
virus has yet to be determined.
The government said it has enforced the "1-7-10 Protocol" in the affected areas.Quarantine
checkpoints are set up in areas within a 1-kilometer radius of farms possibly having cases of ASF. All pigs
within the area are also culled.Dar said over 7,400 pigs have been culled in the affected areas.Within a 7-
kilometer radius, authorities conduct surveillance and limit any animal movement.Meanwhile, farm owners
within a 10-kilometer radius are required to report if they have pigs showing signs of the disease.According to
Dar, the government has "successfully managed the issue.""We are pleased to report that we have already
suspended the ground operations in Rizal and will now focus on cleaning and disinfection operations," the DA
said.The government has also banned pork imports from ASF-affected countries.
For swine raisers, the DA reminds them to enhance biosecurity measures and promptly
report any unusual animal deaths in their respective farms.Swill feeding or feeding food scraps to pigs is highly
discouraged.For consumers, the government advises them to remain vigilant when buying pork and pork
products and to always look for the NMIS seal as a guarantee.The public is also encouraged to report any
animal disease incidence to their respective municipal, city, or provincial veterinary offices.
If an outbreak occurs, the disease will initially have to be controlled using zoosanitary
measures:Culling animals on infected farms, followed by cleaning and disinfection.Tracing possible contact
farms, followed by quarantine or preventive culling.Tightening biosecurity measures.And transport ban on
pigs and pork products.
Prevention is better than cure,the African Swine Fever is a very dangerous disease for pigs.
Let us all work together and fight against this disease,If not now, when?

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