TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in Kerala, India.
EXPLANATION:
- Authorities in Thrissur have ordered the culling of 310 pigs in response to the outbreak in Madakkathara panchayat.
- This recent incident highlights the severe impact of ASF on swine populations and the measures necessary to control its spread.
History and Global Impact of African Swine Fever
- African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, with a potential mortality rate of 100%.
- The disease was first detected in Africa in the early 1900s and has since spread globally.
- In India, ASF was first reported in Assam in 2020, resulting in the death of over 2900 pigs.
Global Statistics
- Affected Regions: 57 countries and territories.
- Impact on Animals: Affected 506,000 pigs and over 20,400 wild boars since January 2022.
- Outbreaks: 6847 outbreaks reported among domestic pigs globally since January 2022.
- Regional Impact:55% of outbreaks recorded in Asia, 70% in Europe.
Characteristics of the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV)
- African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a DNA virus belonging to the Asfarviridae family.
- It is highly resistant to low temperatures and can remain viable in blood, faeces, and tissues, especially in infected, uncooked, or undercooked pork products.
- While ASF does not pose a danger to human health, it severely affects swine populations raised for meat.
Modes of Transmission
- ASF is highly contagious with multiple modes of transmission:
- Direct Transmission: Contact between infected and healthy animals.
- Indirect Transmission:
- Feeding on garbage containing infected meat products.
- Biological vectors (e.g., ticks).
- Contact with contaminated objects (e.g., clothing, boots, wheels).
- Environmental Resistance: The virus can survive on surfaces for extended periods.
- Transstadial Transmission: Transmission through different life stages of a vector organism.
- Transovarial Transmission: Transmission from parent to offspring.
- Sexual Transmission: Through mating of infected animals.
Symptoms of African Swine Fever
- ASF can manifest in various forms:
- Extremely Acute Form: Sudden death with few visible signs, fever.
- Acute Form: Reddening of the skin, Anorexia, Listlessness, Discoloration of mucous membranes, Lack of coordination within 24-48 hours before death, Diarrhea, Visible and invisible lesions.
Prevention and Control Measures
- There are no medical treatments or vaccines available for ASF. Effective prevention and control measures include:
- Culling of Infected Swine: Immediate culling and proper disposal of cadavers are essential during outbreaks.
- Designation and Surveillance of Infected Zones: Establishing infected and surveillance zones to monitor and control the spread.
- Tracing Virus Sources: Investigating and identifying potential sources and routes of virus transmission.
- Bio-Security Practices: Implementing strict bio-security measures to prevent cross-border transmission.