Why in News

• An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed at a pig farm in Ravas Brahmanan village, Patiala

• This has prompted immediate action by district authorities

Key Points

Nature of Disease

• A highly contagious and hemorrhagic viral disease affecting pigs and wild boars

• Does not affect humans or other animal species

• Causes severe impact on piggery due to:

  • High morbidity and mortality (up to 90–100%)

Origin and Spread

• Originally found in sub-Saharan Africa

• Now prevalent in:

  • Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa

• First confirmed in India:

  • Arunachal Pradesh and Assam (Feb–Mar 2020)

Transmission

• Spread occurs through:

  • Direct contact between infected and healthy animals

  • Contaminated food, such as sausages or uncooked meat

  • Soft ticks

  • Contaminated objects like vehicles, clothes, and equipment

Symptoms

• Resemble Classical Swine Fever (CSF) symptoms

• Include:

  • Fever and weakness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Inflamed eye mucous membranes

  • Red skin patches

  • Bloody diarrhea and vomiting

Prevention and Control

• No effective vaccine available against ASF

• Strict biosecurity measures are the only prevention method

• Culling infected animals is required to control outbreaks