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Ruedas-Torres I, Thi to Nga B, Salguero FJ. Pathogenicity and virulence of African swine fever virus. Virulence 2024; 15:2375550. [PMID: 38973077 PMCID: PMC11232652 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2375550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating disease with a high impact on the pork industry worldwide. ASF virus (ASFV) is a very complex pathogen, the sole member of the family Asfaviridae, which induces a state of immune suppression in the host through infection of myeloid cells and apoptosis of lymphocytes. Moreover, haemorrhages are the other main pathogenic effect of ASFV infection in pigs, related to the infection of endothelial cells, as well as the activation and structural changes of this cell population by proinflammatory cytokine upregulation within bystander monocytes and macrophages. There are still many gaps in the knowledge of the role of proteins produced by the ASFV, which is related to the difficulty in producing a safe and effective vaccine to combat the disease, although few candidates have been approved for use in Southeast Asia in the past couple of years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Ruedas-Torres
- Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC), United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Salisbury, UK
| | - Bui Thi to Nga
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Francisco J. Salguero
- Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC), United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Salisbury, UK
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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2
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Giammarioli M, Torresi C, Biccheri R, Cammà C, Marcacci M, Dondo A, Razzuoli E, Fusco G, Casalinuovo F, Scicluna MT, Dei Giudici S, Martin AMM, Rossi E, Casciari C, Pela M, Iscaro C, Gallardo C, Marocco G, Orrico M, Feliziani F. Genetic Characterization of African Swine Fever Italian Clusters in the 2022-2023 Epidemic Wave by a Multi-Gene Approach. Viruses 2024; 16:1185. [PMID: 39205159 PMCID: PMC11360507 DOI: 10.3390/v16081185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The first report of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II in Italy in 2022 marked the beginning of a significant invasion in at least eight Italian regions with different infection clusters. In this study, we used the multi-gene approach to investigate the epidemiological associations between ASFV strains causing cases and outbreaks in wild boar and pigs in Italy from January 2022 to the end of 2023. Our results confirm that all the tested ASFV-positive Italian samples belonged to genotype II and show high homology with genotype II ASFV sequences previously collected in Eurasian countries. Molecular characterization revealed the presence of four genetic groups in Italy. The majority of African swine fever (ASF) samples analyzed in the current study (72%) belonged to genetic group 3, which was the most representative in Europe. The results also provide evidence of the prevalence of genetic group 19 (15.9%). In addition, we identified new putative genetic groups, genetic group 25 (9.1%) and genetic group 26 (3.0%), which have never been described before. This is the first detailed report on the molecular characterization of more than 130 ASFV strains circulating in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Giammarioli
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Claudia Torresi
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Roberta Biccheri
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Cesare Cammà
- National Reference Center for Whole Genome Sequencing of Microbial Pathogens, Database and Bioinformatic Analysis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Maurilia Marcacci
- National Reference Center for Whole Genome Sequencing of Microbial Pathogens, Database and Bioinformatic Analysis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandro Dondo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta “I. Altara”, 10154 Turin, Italy; (A.D.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta “I. Altara”, 10154 Turin, Italy; (A.D.); (E.R.)
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Casalinuovo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055 Napoli, Italy; (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Dei Giudici
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna “G. Pegreffi”, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Ana Maria Moreno Martin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e della Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Rossi
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Cristina Casciari
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Michela Pela
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Carmen Iscaro
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Carmina Gallardo
- European Union Reference Laboratory for African Swine Fever (EURL), Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, 28130 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Gaia Marocco
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | | | - Francesco Feliziani
- National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Swine Fever, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.T.); (R.B.); (E.R.); (C.C.); (M.P.); (C.I.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
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Pavone S, Bellini S, Iscaro C, Farioli M, Chiari M, Lavazza A, Ruocco L, Lelli D, Pintus G, Prati P, Feliziani F. Strategic Challenges to the Eradication of African Swine Fever Genotype II in Domestic Pigs in North Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1295. [PMID: 38731299 PMCID: PMC11083415 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease characterized by high lethality in suids and caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). The ASF genotype I virus was introduced to Europe in 1957, marking the onset of the first European epidemic wave. In 2007, ASFV genotype II was detected in Georgia, affecting domestic pigs and wild boars before spreading to various European and extra-European countries, including Italy. The first case of ASFV in Italy was documented on 7 January 2022, in a wild boar in the Piedmont region. Since then, several ASFV-positive wild boar carcasses have been identified in the Piedmont and Liguria regions. By June 2023, ASFV had spread to Lombardy, one of the major pig-producing regions in northern Italy; the virus was first detected in early summer in wild boar carcasses. Two months later, it was diagnosed in a commercial pig farm as a consequence of the disease's spread amongst wild boars and an increase in the viral environmental load. This report aims to describe the features of ASFV domestic pig outbreaks that occurred in the Zinasco municipality (Lombardy) and the joint efforts to mitigate potential direct and indirect economic impacts on the Italian and global pig industry. The epidemiological investigation and the measures implemented, which were all performed according to national and European regulations, as well as exceptional ad hoc measures aimed at protecting the pig industry, are described in order to provide a practical and effective approach to combating ASF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pavone
- National Reference Laboratory for Pestivirus and Asfivirus, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati” (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini, 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Silvia Bellini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, Via A. Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (A.L.); (D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Carmen Iscaro
- National Reference Laboratory for Pestivirus and Asfivirus, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati” (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini, 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Marco Farioli
- Regione Lombardia UO Veterinaria Direzione Generale Welfare, Piazza Città di Lombardia, 1, 20124 Milano, Italy; (M.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Mario Chiari
- Regione Lombardia UO Veterinaria Direzione Generale Welfare, Piazza Città di Lombardia, 1, 20124 Milano, Italy; (M.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, Via A. Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (A.L.); (D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Luigi Ruocco
- Ministero della Salute Direzione Generale della Sanità Animale e del Farmaco Veterinario, Ufficio III Sanità Animale e Gestione Operativa del Centro Nazionale di Lotta ed Emergenza Contro le Malattie Animali e Unità Centrale di Crisi, Viale Giorgio Ribotta, 5, 00144 Roma, Italy;
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, Via A. Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (A.L.); (D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Giorgia Pintus
- Local Health Authority (ATS), Via Indipendenza, 3, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Paola Prati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, Via A. Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (S.B.); (A.L.); (D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Francesco Feliziani
- National Reference Laboratory for Pestivirus and Asfivirus, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati” (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini, 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
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Sunwoo SY, García-Belmonte R, Walczak M, Vigara-Astillero G, Kim DM, Szymankiewicz K, Kochanowski M, Liu L, Tark D, Podgórska K, Revilla Y, Pérez-Núñez D. Deletion of MGF505-2R Gene Activates the cGAS-STING Pathway Leading to Attenuation and Protection against Virulent African Swine Fever Virus. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:407. [PMID: 38675789 PMCID: PMC11054455 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the etiological agent causing African swine fever (ASF), affecting domestic pigs and wild boar, which is currently the biggest animal epidemic in the world and a major threat to the swine sector. At present, some safety concerns about using LAVs against ASFV still exist despite a commercial vaccine licensed in Vietnam. Therefore, the efforts to identify virulence factors and their mechanisms, as well as to generate new vaccine prototypes, are of major interest. In this work, we have identified the MGF505-2R gene product as an inhibitor of the cGAS/STING pathway, specifically through its interaction with STING protein, controlling IFN-β production. In addition, immunization of a recombinant virus lacking this gene, Arm/07-ΔMGF505-2R, resulted in complete attenuation, demonstrating its involvement in ASFV virulence. Finally, immunization with Arm/07-ΔMGF505-2R induced the generation of antibodies and proved to be partially protective against virulent ASFV strains. These results identify MGF505-2R, as well as its mechanism of action, as a gene contributing to understanding the molecular mechanisms of ASFV virulence, which will be of great value in the design of future vaccine prototypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Young Sunwoo
- Careside Co., Ltd., Sagimakgol-ro 45 Beongil 14, Seongnam-si 13209, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea;
| | - Raquel García-Belmonte
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.-B.); (G.V.-A.)
| | - Marek Walczak
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.W.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Gonzalo Vigara-Astillero
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.-B.); (G.V.-A.)
| | - Dae-Min Kim
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Ma-dong, Iksan 54531, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea; (D.-M.K.); (D.T.)
| | - Krzesimir Szymankiewicz
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.W.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Maciej Kochanowski
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.W.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Swedish Veterinary Agency, 751 89 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Ma-dong, Iksan 54531, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea; (D.-M.K.); (D.T.)
| | - Katarzyna Podgórska
- Department of Swine Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 57 Partyzantów Avenue, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland; (M.W.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Yolanda Revilla
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.-B.); (G.V.-A.)
| | - Daniel Pérez-Núñez
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biologia Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.-B.); (G.V.-A.)
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Spinard E, Wade A, Unger H, Robert N, Mayega FJ, Sreenu VB, Da Silva Filpe A, Mair D, Borca MV, Gladue DP, Masembe C. Near-complete genome sequences of multiple genotype 1 African swine fever virus isolates from 2016 to 2018 in Cameroon. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0097823. [PMID: 38477459 PMCID: PMC11008206 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00978-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
African swine fever virus has been endemic in Cameroon since 1982. Here, we announce the sequences of Cameroon/2016/C1, Cameroon/2016/C5, Cameroon/2017/C-A2, Cameroon/2018/C02, and Cameroon/2018/CF3, five genotype 1 African swine fever virus genomes collected from domestic pigs between 2016 and 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Spinard
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient, New York, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Unit Name, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Abel Wade
- National Veterinary Laboratory (LANAVET), Garoua, Cameroon
| | - Hermann Unger
- Animal Production and Health Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division for Nuclear Applications in Food and Agriculture, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nenkam Robert
- Laboratoire National Veterinaire (LANAVET), Garoua, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Ana Da Silva Filpe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Mair
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel V. Borca
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient, New York, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Unit Name, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Douglas P. Gladue
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Orient, New York, USA
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Unit Name, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Charles Masembe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Rogoll L, Schulz K, Staubach C, Oļševskis E, Seržants M, Lamberga K, Conraths FJ, Sauter-Louis C. Identification of predilection sites for wild boar carcass search based on spatial analysis of Latvian ASF surveillance data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:382. [PMID: 38172492 PMCID: PMC10764341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted search for wild boar carcasses is essential for successful control of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar populations. To examine whether landscape conditions influence the probability of finding ASF-positive carcasses, this study analyzed Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of Latvian wild boar carcasses and hunted wild boar, extracted from the CSF/ASF wild boar surveillance database of the European Union, and random coordinates in Latvia. Geographic information system (GIS) software was used to determine the landscape type and landscape composition of carcass detection sites and to measure distances from the carcasses to nearest waterbodies, forest edges, roads and settlements. The results of the automated measurements were validated by manually analyzing a smaller sample. Wild boar carcasses were found predominantly in forested areas and closer to waterbodies and forest edges than random GPS coordinates in Latvia. Carcasses of ASF-infected wild boar were found more frequently in transitional zones between forest and woodland shrub, and at greater distances from roads and settlements compared to ASF-negative carcasses and random points. This leads to the hypothesis, that ASF-infected animals seek shelter in quiet areas further away from human disturbance. A detailed collection of information on the environment surrounding carcass detection sites is needed to characterize predilection sites more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rogoll
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Katja Schulz
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Edvīns Oļševskis
- Food and Veterinary Service, Peldu 30, Riga, 1050, Latvia
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment-"BIOR", Lejupes 3, Riga, 1076, Latvia
| | | | | | - Franz Josef Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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7
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Dei Giudici S, Loi F, Ghisu S, Angioi PP, Zinellu S, Fiori MS, Carusillo F, Brundu D, Franzoni G, Zidda GM, Tolu P, Bandino E, Cappai S, Oggiano A. The Long-Jumping of African Swine Fever: First Genotype II Notified in Sardinia, Italy. Viruses 2023; 16:32. [PMID: 38257733 PMCID: PMC10820622 DOI: 10.3390/v16010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating infectious disease of domestic pigs and wild boar that is spreading quickly around the world and causing huge economic losses. Although the development of effective vaccines is currently being attempted by several labs, the absence of globally recognized licensed vaccines makes disease prevention and early detection even more crucial. ASF has spread across many countries in Europe and about two years ago affected the Italian susceptible population. In Italy, the first case of ASF genotype II in wild boar dates back to January 2022, while the first outbreak in a domestic pig farm was notified in August 2023. Currently, four clusters of infection are still ongoing in northern (Piedmont-Liguria and Lombardy), central (Lazio), and southern Italy (Calabria and Campania). In early September 2023, the first case of ASFV genotype II was detected in a domestic pig farm in Sardinia, historically affected by genotype I and in the final stage of eradication. Genomic characterization of p72, p54, and I73R/I329L genome regions revealed 100% similarity to those obtained from isolates that have been circulating in mainland Italy since January 2022 and also with international strains. The outbreak was detected and confirmed due to the passive surveillance plan on domestic pig farms put in place to provide evidence on genotype I's absence. Epidemiological investigations suggest 24 August as the most probable time of ASFV genotype II's arrival in Sardinia, likely due to human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Dei Giudici
- Laboratory of Virology, Deapartment of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.G.); (P.P.A.); (S.Z.); (M.S.F.); (G.F.); (A.O.)
| | - Federica Loi
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale della Sardegna, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09125 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Sonia Ghisu
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 08100 Nuoro, Italy; (S.G.); (F.C.); (D.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Pier Paolo Angioi
- Laboratory of Virology, Deapartment of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.G.); (P.P.A.); (S.Z.); (M.S.F.); (G.F.); (A.O.)
| | - Susanna Zinellu
- Laboratory of Virology, Deapartment of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.G.); (P.P.A.); (S.Z.); (M.S.F.); (G.F.); (A.O.)
| | - Mariangela Stefania Fiori
- Laboratory of Virology, Deapartment of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.G.); (P.P.A.); (S.Z.); (M.S.F.); (G.F.); (A.O.)
| | - Francesca Carusillo
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 08100 Nuoro, Italy; (S.G.); (F.C.); (D.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Diego Brundu
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 08100 Nuoro, Italy; (S.G.); (F.C.); (D.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Giulia Franzoni
- Laboratory of Virology, Deapartment of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.G.); (P.P.A.); (S.Z.); (M.S.F.); (G.F.); (A.O.)
| | | | - Paolo Tolu
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale della Sardegna, 08100 Nuoro, Italy; (G.M.Z.); (P.T.)
| | - Ennio Bandino
- Diagnostic Laboratories, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 08100 Nuoro, Italy; (S.G.); (F.C.); (D.B.); (E.B.)
| | - Stefano Cappai
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale della Sardegna, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 09125 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Oggiano
- Laboratory of Virology, Deapartment of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (S.D.G.); (P.P.A.); (S.Z.); (M.S.F.); (G.F.); (A.O.)
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8
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Glišić D, Milićević V, Krnjaić D, Toplak I, Prodanović R, Gallardo C, Radojičić S. Genetic analysis reveals multiple intergenic region and central variable region in the African swine fever virus variants circulating in Serbia. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1925-1936. [PMID: 37256519 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study provides the first comprehensive report on the molecular characteristics of African swine fever virus (ASFV) variants in Serbia between 2019 and 2022. Since its first observation in July 2019, the disease has been found in wild boar and domestic swine. The study involved the analysis of 95 ASFV-positive samples collected from 12 infected administrative districts in Serbia. Partial four genomic regions were genetically characterized, including B646L, E183L, B602L, and the intergenic region (IGR) between the I73R-I329L genes. The results of the study suggest that multiple ASFV strains belonging to genotype II are circulating in Serbia, as evidenced by the analysis of the IGR between I73R-I329L genes that showed the most differences. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis of the B602L gene showed three different clades within the CVR I group of ASFV strains. Regarding the IGR, 98.4% were grouped into IGR II, with only one positive sample grouped into the IGR III group. These findings provide essential insights into the molecular characteristics of ASFV variants in Serbia and contribute to the knowledge of circulating strains of ASFV in Europe. However, further research is necessary to gain a better understanding of ASFV spread and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrije Glišić
- Department of Virology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vesna Milićević
- Department of Virology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Krnjaić
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Belgrade Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan Toplak
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Virology, Veterinary Faculty, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Radiša Prodanović
- Department of Ruminants and Swine Diseases, University of Belgrade Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Carmina Gallardo
- European Union Reference Laboratory for ASF (EURL-ASF): Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA, CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonja Radojičić
- Department of Infectious Animals Diseases and Diseases of Bees, University of Belgrade Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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9
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Forth JH, Calvelage S, Fischer M, Hellert J, Sehl-Ewert J, Roszyk H, Deutschmann P, Reichold A, Lange M, Thulke HH, Sauter-Louis C, Höper D, Mandyhra S, Sapachova M, Beer M, Blome S. African swine fever virus - variants on the rise. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2146537. [PMID: 36356059 PMCID: PMC9793911 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2146537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV), a large and complex DNA-virus circulating between soft ticks and indigenous suids in sub-Saharan Africa, has made its way into swine populations from Europe to Asia. This virus, causing a severe haemorrhagic disease (African swine fever) with very high lethality rates in wild boar and domestic pigs, has demonstrated a remarkably high genetic stability for over 10 years. Consequently, analyses into virus evolution and molecular epidemiology often struggled to provide the genetic basis to trace outbreaks while few resources have been dedicated to genomic surveillance on whole-genome level. During its recent incursion into Germany in 2020, ASFV has unexpectedly diverged into five clearly distinguishable linages with at least ten different variants characterized by high-impact mutations never identified before. Noticeably, all new variants share a frameshift mutation in the 3' end of the DNA polymerase PolX gene O174L, suggesting a causative role as possible mutator gene. Although epidemiological modelling supported the influence of increased mutation rates, it remains unknown how fast virus evolution might progress under these circumstances. Moreover, a tailored Sanger sequencing approach allowed us, for the first time, to trace variants with genomic epidemiology to regional clusters. In conclusion, our findings suggest that this new factor has the potential to dramatically influence the course of the ASFV pandemic with unknown outcome. Therefore, our work highlights the importance of genomic surveillance of ASFV on whole-genome level, the need for high-quality sequences and calls for a closer monitoring of future phenotypic changes of ASFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan H. Forth
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sten Calvelage
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Melina Fischer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan Hellert
- Centre for Structural System Biology (CSSB), Leibnitz-Institut für Virologie, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Sehl-Ewert
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hanna Roszyk
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Paul Deutschmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Adam Reichold
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Lange
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hans-Hermann Thulke
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Dirk Höper
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Svitlana Mandyhra
- State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise (SSRILDVSE), Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Maryna Sapachova
- State Scientific and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise (SSRILDVSE), Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Blome
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany, Sandra Blome Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald – Insel Riems, Germany
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10
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Kruszyński M, Śróda K, Juszkiewicz M, Siuda D, Olszewska M, Woźniakowski G. Nine Years of African Swine Fever in Poland. Viruses 2023; 15:2325. [PMID: 38140566 PMCID: PMC10748056 DOI: 10.3390/v15122325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and fatal haemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boars, causing significant economic loss to the swine industry in the European Union. The genotype II of African swine fever has spread in many European countries since the virus was detected in 2007 in Georgia. In Poland, the genotype II of the ASF virus was confirmed on 17 February 2014 in the eastern part of the country and appeared to have been transmitted to Poland from Belarus. Poland has been particularly affected by ASF epidemics in the last decade, resulting in a significant decline in the Polish pig population. Wild boars are the main reservoir of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), but human activities such as transportation and illegal animal trade are the primary reasons for the long-distance transmission of the disease. (2) Conclusions: During the nine years of ASF in Poland, multiple measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus among the wild boar population via the passive and active surveillance of these animals. With regard to pig farms, the only effective measure for preventing the spread of ASF is the efficient enforcement by state authorities of the biosecurity standards and the farmers' compliance with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kruszyński
- County Veterinary Inspectorate, Stanisława Dubois 3, 46-100 Namyslow, Poland;
| | - Kacper Śróda
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Juszkiewicz
- Department of Swine Diseases, National veterinary Research Institute, Partyzanotw 57 Avenue, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland;
| | - Dominika Siuda
- Academia Copernicana Interdisciplinary Doctoral School, Bojarskiego 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Monika Olszewska
- Department of Infectious, Invasive Diseases and Veterinary Administration, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Woźniakowski
- Department of Infectious, Invasive Diseases and Veterinary Administration, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
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11
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Bergmann H, Czaja EM, Frick A, Klaaß U, Marquart R, Rudovsky A, Holland D, Wysocki P, Lehnau D, Schröder R, Rogoll L, Sauter-Louis C, Homeier-Bachmann T. Remote Sensing Provides a Rapid Epidemiological Context for the Control of African Swine Fever in Germany. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8202. [PMID: 37837032 PMCID: PMC10575123 DOI: 10.3390/s23198202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Transboundary disease control, as for African swine fever (ASF), requires rapid understanding of the locally relevant potential risk factors. Here, we show how satellite remote sensing can be applied to the field of animal disease control by providing an epidemiological context for the implementation of measures against the occurrence of ASF in Germany. We find that remotely sensed observations are of the greatest value at a lower jurisdictional level, particularly in support of wild boar carcass search efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Bergmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
| | - Eva-Maria Czaja
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
| | - Annett Frick
- LUP-Luftbild Umwelt Planung GmbH, Große Weinmeisterstraße 3a, 14469 Potsdam, Germany;
| | - Ulf Klaaß
- Landesamt für Arbeitsschutz, Verbraucherschutz und Gesundheit, Abteilung Verbraucherschutz, Dezernat V2, Dorfstraße 1, 14513 Teltow OT Ruhlsdorf, Germany; (U.K.); (R.M.); (A.R.); (D.H.)
| | - Ronny Marquart
- Landesamt für Arbeitsschutz, Verbraucherschutz und Gesundheit, Abteilung Verbraucherschutz, Dezernat V2, Dorfstraße 1, 14513 Teltow OT Ruhlsdorf, Germany; (U.K.); (R.M.); (A.R.); (D.H.)
| | - Annett Rudovsky
- Landesamt für Arbeitsschutz, Verbraucherschutz und Gesundheit, Abteilung Verbraucherschutz, Dezernat V2, Dorfstraße 1, 14513 Teltow OT Ruhlsdorf, Germany; (U.K.); (R.M.); (A.R.); (D.H.)
| | - Diana Holland
- Landesamt für Arbeitsschutz, Verbraucherschutz und Gesundheit, Abteilung Verbraucherschutz, Dezernat V2, Dorfstraße 1, 14513 Teltow OT Ruhlsdorf, Germany; (U.K.); (R.M.); (A.R.); (D.H.)
| | - Patrick Wysocki
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
| | - Daike Lehnau
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
| | - Ronald Schröder
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
| | - Lisa Rogoll
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
| | - Timo Homeier-Bachmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (H.B.); (E.-M.C.); (P.W.); (D.L.); (R.S.); (L.R.); (C.S.-L.)
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12
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Pavone S, Iscaro C, Dettori A, Feliziani F. African Swine Fever: The State of the Art in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2998. [PMID: 37835604 PMCID: PMC10571570 DOI: 10.3390/ani13192998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease of domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boars (Sus scrofa) caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, where 24 genotypes of the virus have been reported. Between the late 1950s and the early 1980s, genotype I ASFV emerged in Europe, including Italy. In June 2007, a second ASF epidemic wave caused by genotype II was registered, involving several European and extra-European countries, including Italy in 2022. The present paper aims to provide the state of the art of ASF in Italy, describing the course of ASF in wild boars and domestic pigs as an example of multiple concurring different scenarios. Sardinia is coping with the last phase of the eradication of the disease by applying the exit strategy. Conversely, four clusters of infection located in North, Central, and South Italy are still ongoing. The unique and complex Italian experience in ASF-controlling may be useful to increase know-how on the efficacy of strategies and measures, as well as issues that could be further improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pavone
- National Reference Laboratory for Pestivirus and Asfivirus, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Carmen Iscaro
- National Reference Laboratory for Pestivirus and Asfivirus, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Annalisa Dettori
- Regional Veterinary Epidemiology Observatory, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Francesco Feliziani
- National Reference Laboratory for Pestivirus and Asfivirus, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche “Togo Rosati”, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
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13
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Rogoll L, Güttner AK, Schulz K, Bergmann H, Staubach C, Conraths FJ, Sauter-Louis C. Seasonal Occurrence of African Swine Fever in Wild Boar and Domestic Pigs in EU Member States. Viruses 2023; 15:1955. [PMID: 37766361 PMCID: PMC10536336 DOI: 10.3390/v15091955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2007, African swine fever (ASF) has spread widely within Europe and beyond. Most affected countries recorded outbreaks in domestic pigs and cases in wild boar. Outbreak data from 2014 to 2021 were used to investigate the seasonal pattern of ASF in domestic pigs and wild boar across affected member states of the European Union, since knowledge of seasonal patterns may provide the potential to adapt prevention, surveillance and control during times of increased risk. In domestic pigs, a yearly peak was observed in many European countries in summer (predominantly in July and August). In wild boar, the patterns showed more variability. In many countries, there was a seasonal peak of ASF occurrence in winter (predominantly in January and December), with an additional summer peak in the Baltic States (predominantly in July) and a further spring peak in Poland (predominantly in March). The observed seasonal effects may be related to the abundance and population dynamics of wild boar and to seasonality in pig farming. Moreover, ASF occurrence may also be influenced by human activities in both domestic pigs and wild boar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rogoll
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (A.-K.G.); (K.S.); (H.B.); (C.S.); (F.J.C.); (C.S.-L.)
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14
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Lentz HHK, Bergmann H, Conraths FJ, Schulz J, Sauter-Louis C. The diffusion metrics of African swine fever in wild boar. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15110. [PMID: 37704714 PMCID: PMC10499946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42300-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To control African swine fever (ASF) efficiently, easily interpretable metrics of the outbreak dynamics are needed to plan and adapt the required measures. We found that the spread pattern of African Swine Fever cases in wild boar follows the mechanics of a diffusion process, at least in the early phase, for the cases that occurred in Germany. Following incursion into a previously unaffected area, infection disseminates locally within a naive and abundant wild boar population. Using real case data for Germany, we derive statistics about the time differences and distances between consecutive case reports. With the use of these statistics, we generate an ensemble of random walkers (continuous time random walks, CTRW) that resemble the properties of the observed outbreak pattern as one possible realization of all possible disease dissemination patterns. The trained random walker ensemble yields the diffusion constant, the affected area, and the outbreak velocity of early ASF spread in wild boar. These methods are easy to interpret, robust, and may be adapted for different regions. Therefore, diffusion metrics can be useful descriptors of early disease dynamics and help facilitate efficient control of African Swine Fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut H K Lentz
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Hannes Bergmann
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jana Schulz
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
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15
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Mai NTA, Dam VP, Cho KH, Nguyen VT, Van Tuyen N, Nguyen TL, Ambagala A, Park JY, Le VP. Emergence of a novel intergenic region (IGR) IV variant of african swine fever virus genotype II in domestic pigs in Vietnam. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1773-1776. [PMID: 36823481 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-10068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes African swine fever (ASF), a deadly disease affecting both domestic pigs and wild boars. ASF has become endemic in Vietnam since its first appearance in early 2019. Our previous molecular surveillance studies revealed that all the ASFV strains circulating in Vietnam belong to p72 genotype II, p54 genotype II, CD2v serogroup 8, and CVR of B602L gene variant type I. However, the genetic analysis based on the tandem repeat sequences located between I73R and I329L genes revealed three different intergenic region (IGR) variants; I, II, and III. In this study, using ASFV field isolates collected from September 24th to December 27th, 2021, we report, for the first time, novel IGR IV variants circulating in the Vietnamese pig population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Tuan Anh Mai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van Phai Dam
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ki-Hyun Cho
- Foreign Animal Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Tam Nguyen
- Institute of Veterinary Science and Technology (IVST), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Thi Lan Nguyen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Aruna Ambagala
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jee-Yong Park
- Foreign Animal Disease Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Van Phan Le
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Institute of Veterinary Science and Technology (IVST), Hanoi, Vietnam.
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16
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Velazquez-Salinas L, Ramirez-Medina E, Rai A, Pruitt S, Vuono EA, Espinoza N, Gay CG, Witte S, Gladue DP, Borca MV. Confirming the absence of parental African swine fever virus as a potential contaminant of recombinant live attenuated ASF vaccines. Biologicals 2023; 83:101685. [PMID: 37276750 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2023.101685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating disease that is currently producing a panzootic significantly impacting the swine industry worldwide. One of the major challenges for advancing the development of ASF vaccines has been the absence of international standards for ASF vaccine purity, potency, safety, and efficacy. To date, the most effective experimental vaccines have been live attenuated strains of viruses. Most of these promising vaccine candidates have been developed by deleting virus genes involved in the process of viral pathogenesis and disease production. This approach requires genomic modification of a parental virus field strain through a process of homologous recombination followed by purification of the recombinant attenuated virus. In this scenario, it is critical to confirm the absence of any parental virulent virus in the final virus stock used for vaccine production. We present here a protocol to establish the purity of virus stock using the live attenuated vaccine candidates ASFV-G-ΔMGF, ASFV-G-Δ9 GLΔUK and ASFV-G-ΔI177L. Procedures described here includes inoculation in susceptible pigs followed by the assessment of the obtained material by differential qPCRs that allows the identification of vaccine virus from ASFV field isolates. This protocol is proposed as a model to ensure that master seed virus stock used for vaccine production does not contain residual parental virulent virus. Procedures described here includes a passage in susceptible pigs followed by the assessment of the obtained material by differential qPCRs that allows the identification of vaccine virus from ASFV field isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Velazquez-Salinas
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA; Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Ramirez-Medina
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA
| | - Ayushi Rai
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Sarah Pruitt
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Vuono
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA; Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Nallely Espinoza
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA
| | - Cyril G Gay
- Agricultural Research Service, Office of National Programs, USDA, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Steve Witte
- Biologics Development Module, National Bio and Agrodefense Facility, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Douglas P Gladue
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA.
| | - Manuel V Borca
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Greenport, NY, 11944, USA.
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17
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Borca MV, Ramirez-Medina E, Silva E, Rai A, Espinoza N, Velazquez-Salinas L, Gladue DP. ASF Vaccine Candidate ASFV-G-∆I177L Does Not Exhibit Residual Virulence in Long-Term Clinical Studies. Pathogens 2023; 12:805. [PMID: 37375495 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is an important disease in swine currently producing a pandemic affecting pig production worldwide. Except in Vietnam, where two vaccines were recently approved for controlled use in the field, no vaccine is commercially available for disease control. Up to now, the most effective vaccines developed are based on the use of live-attenuated viruses. Most of these promising vaccine candidates were developed by deleting virus genes involved in the process of viral pathogenesis and disease production. Therefore, these vaccine candidates were developed via the genomic modification of parental virus field strains, producing recombinant viruses and reducing or eliminating their residual virulence. In this scenario, it is critical to confirm the absence of any residual virulence in the vaccine candidate. This report describes the assessment of the presence of residual virulence in the ASFV vaccine candidate ASFV-G-∆I177L in clinical studies conducted under high virus loads and long-term observation periods. The results demonstrated that domestic pigs intramuscularly inoculated with 106 HAD50 of ASFV-G-∆I177L did not show the presence of any clinical sign associated with ASF when observed daily either 90 or 180 days after vaccination. In addition, necropsies conducted at the end of the experiment confirmed the absence of macroscopic internal lesions associated with the disease. These results corroborate the safety of using ASFV-G-∆I177L as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel V Borca
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, ARS, USDA, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
| | | | - Ediane Silva
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, ARS, USDA, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
| | - Ayushi Rai
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, ARS, USDA, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Nallely Espinoza
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, ARS, USDA, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
| | | | - Douglas P Gladue
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, ARS, USDA, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
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18
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Lopez-Lopez P, Frias M, Perez-Jimenez AB, Freyre-Carrillo C, Pineda JA, Fuentes A, Alados JC, Ramirez-Arellano E, Viciana I, Corona-Mata D, Caballero-Gomez J, Garcia-Bocanegra I, Risalde MA, Rivero-Juarez A, Rivero A. Temporal changes in the genotypes of Paslahepevirus balayani in southern Spain and their possible link with changes in pig trade imports. One Health 2023; 16:100539. [PMID: 37363253 PMCID: PMC10288091 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Paslahepevirus balayani (HEV) is an endemic zoonotic disease ranked as a major cause of acute hepatitis in Europe. Most infections occurring in Europe are due to the endemic several subtypes of genotype 3, through the consumption of raw or undercooked pork, observing a genotype geographical distribution pattern among countries Because of global changes in the pig and pork trading markets, subtype distribution might vary. We aimed to evaluate the temporal distribution of HEV genotypes in patients from southern Spain with acute hepatitis to determine whether these changes were related to the pig import trade during the study period between 2018 and 2022. Methods Prospective longitudinal study including patients with acute hepatitis from southern Spain between 2018 and 2022. HEV RNA and antibodies was tested in all patients. In patients with detectable HEV RNA, genotype was obtained. To determine the number of imported pigs and their origins, we checked the official data from the Spanish statistics on international trade of Spanish Minister of Industry during by country of origin during the same study period. Results A total of 659 patients with acute hepatitis were included in the study. Among them, 162 (24.5%) had at least one marker (IgM or RNA) of acute HEV infection. Among the 71 patients with detectable viral RNA, genotypes could be obtained for 58 (81.6%). The most prevalent HEV genotype was 3f (n = 48; 78.6%), showing a decreasing prevalence of over time, from 100% in 2018 to 70.6% in 2022. Since 2021, the emergence of other genotypes has been determined. A significant increase in the number of animals imported was observed since the beginning of the study. Denmark experienced a significant rise, from 0.03% in 2018 of total imports to 10.4% in 2022. Conclusions HEV molecular diversity is changing in Spain, could be linked to changes in fattening pig import origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Service of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Frias
- Service of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Perez-Jimenez
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Juan A. Pineda
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Ana Fuentes
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigacion Biosanitaria Ibs. Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Alados
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Jerez, Cádiz, Spain
- Insituto de investigación e innovación biomédica de Cadiz (INIBICA), Spain
| | - Encarnación Ramirez-Arellano
- Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Unit, Virgen Macarena Univ. Hospital, and Department of Medicine, University of Sevilla/Biomedicine Institute of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Isabel Viciana
- Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Diana Corona-Mata
- Service of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gomez
- Service of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Sanidad Animal, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio Garcia-Bocanegra
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Sanidad Animal, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - María A. Risalde
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Sanidad Animal, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Service of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Service of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII – CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Vilem A, Nurmoja I, Tummeleht L, Viltrop A. Differentiation of African Swine Fever Virus Strains Isolated in Estonia by Multiple Genetic Markers. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050720. [PMID: 37242390 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The African swine fever virus (ASFV) was first detected in Estonia, in September 2014. In the subsequent three years, the virus spread explosively all over the country. Only one county, the island of Hiiumaa, remained free of the disease. Due to the drastic decrease in the wild boar population in the period of 2015-2018, the number of ASFV-positive cases among wild boar decreased substantially. From the beginning of 2019 to the autumn of 2020, no ASFV-positive wild boar or domestic pigs were detected in Estonia. A new occurrence of ASFV was detected in August 2020, and by the end of 2022, ASFV had been confirmed in seven counties in Estonia. Investigations into proven molecular markers, such as IGR I73R/I329L, MGF505-5R, K145R, O174L, and B602L, were performed with the aim of clarifying whether these cases of ASFV were new entries or remnants of previous epidemics. The sequences from the period of 2014-2022 were compared to the Georgia 2007/1 reference sequence and the variant strains present in Europe. The results indicated that not all the molecular markers of the virus successfully used in other geographical regions were suitable for tracing the spread of ASFV in Estonia. Only the B602L-gene analysis enabled us to place the ASFV isolates spreading in 2020-2022 into two epidemiologically different clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Vilem
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
- The National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment, LABRIS, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Imbi Nurmoja
- The National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment, LABRIS, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lea Tummeleht
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
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20
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Prodanov-Radulović J, Mirčeta J, Djurdjević B, Lazić S, Aleksić-Kovačević S, Petrović J, Polaček V. African Swine Fever Outbreak in an Enclosed Wild Boar Hunting Ground in Serbia. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050691. [PMID: 37242361 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in many European countries since its introduction in Georgia in 2007. Serbia suffered its first case of ASF in the domestic pig population in 2019. At the beginning of 2020, ASF was detected in wild boars in open hunting grounds in the southeastern region of the country in districts along the country's borders with Romania and Bulgaria. Since then, all ASF outbreaks in wild boar were clustered in the population located in the same bordering areas. Despite the newly implemented biosecurity protocols for hunters in 2019, ASF was detected for the first time in June 2021 in the wild boar population located in an enclosed hunting ground in the northeast region of the country. In this study, we reported the first ASF outbreak in a wild boar population located in an enclosed hunting ground in close proximity to the Serbian-Romanian border. The epizootiological data on the field investigation of the ASF outbreak, with descriptions of the clinical signs and gross pathological lesions detected, including the total number as well as the estimated age, sex, and postmortem interval, were analyzed. Clinical signs were detected only in nine diseased wild boars, while in total, 149 carcasses were found in the open and enclosed part of the hunting ground. In addition, 99 carcasses from which samples (parts of spleen or long bones) were collected for molecular diagnostics (RT-PCR) were confirmed as ASF-positive. The results of the epidemiological investigations indicate the central role of wild boar movements as well as the constant risk of human-related activities in the countries bordering area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sava Lazić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Jelena Petrović
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Polaček
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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21
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Hannat S, La Scola B, Andreani J, Aherfi S. Asfarviruses and Closely Related Giant Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:v15041015. [PMID: 37112995 PMCID: PMC10146109 DOI: 10.3390/v15041015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus, so called because of its "mimicking microbe", was discovered in 2003 and was the founding member of the first family of giant viruses isolated from amoeba. These giant viruses, present in various environments, have opened up a previously unexplored field of virology. Since 2003, many other giant viruses have been isolated, founding new families and taxonomical groups. These include a new giant virus which was isolated in 2015, the result of the first co-culture on Vermamoeba vermiformis. This new giant virus was named "Faustovirus". Its closest known relative at that time was African Swine Fever Virus. Pacmanvirus and Kaumoebavirus were subsequently discovered, exhibiting phylogenetic clustering with the two previous viruses and forming a new group with a putative common ancestor. In this study, we aimed to summarise the main features of the members of this group of giant viruses, including Abalone Asfarvirus, African Swine Fever Virus, Faustovirus, Pacmanvirus, and Kaumoebavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihem Hannat
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- MEPHI, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- MEPHI, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Julien Andreani
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, 27 Boulevard de la Chantourne, 38700 La Tronche, France
| | - Sarah Aherfi
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- MEPHI, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), 13005 Marseille, France
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22
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Ambagala A, Goonewardene K, Lamboo L, Goolia M, Erdelyan C, Fisher M, Handel K, Lung O, Blome S, King J, Forth JH, Calvelage S, Spinard E, Gladue DP, Masembe C, Adedeji AJ, Olubade T, Maurice NA, Ularamu HG, Luka PD. Characterization of a Novel African Swine Fever Virus p72 Genotype II from Nigeria. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040915. [PMID: 37112895 PMCID: PMC10146018 DOI: 10.3390/v15040915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a high-consequence transboundary hemorrhagic fever of swine. It continues to spread across the globe causing socio-economic issues and threatening food security and biodiversity. In 2020, Nigeria reported a major ASF outbreak, killing close to half a million pigs. Based on the partial sequences of the genes B646L (p72) and E183L (p54), the virus responsible for the outbreak was identified as an African swine fever virus (ASFV) p72 genotype II. Here, we report further characterization of ASFV RV502, one of the isolates obtained during the outbreak. The whole genome sequence of this virus revealed a deletion of 6535 bp between the nucleotide positions 11,760–18,295 of the genome, and an apparent reverse complement duplication of the 5′ end of the genome at the 3′ end. Phylogenetically, ASFV RV502 clustered together with ASFV MAL/19/Karonga and ASFV Tanzania/Rukwa/2017/1 suggesting that the virus responsible for the 2020 outbreak in Nigeria has a South-eastern African origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Ambagala
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Kalhari Goonewardene
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Lindsey Lamboo
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Melissa Goolia
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Cassidy Erdelyan
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Mathew Fisher
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Katherine Handel
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Oliver Lung
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Sandra Blome
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jacqueline King
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan Hendrik Forth
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sten Calvelage
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Edward Spinard
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
| | - Douglas P. Gladue
- Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Resources (CoNAS), Makerere University, Kampala P.O Box 7062, Uganda
| | | | - Toyin Olubade
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930103, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Pam D. Luka
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom 930103, Nigeria
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23
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Pathological Characteristics of Domestic Pigs Orally Infected with the Virus Strain Causing the First Reported African Swine Fever Outbreaks in Vietnam. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030393. [PMID: 36986314 PMCID: PMC10058432 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is currently Vietnam’s most economically significant swine disease. The first ASF outbreak in Vietnam was reported in February 2019. In this study, VNUA/HY/ASF1 strain isolated from the first ASF outbreak was used to infect 10 eight-week-old pigs orally with 103 HAD50 per animal. The pigs were observed daily for clinical signs, and whole blood samples were collected from each animal for viremia detection. Dead pigs were subjected to full post-mortem analyses. All 10 pigs displayed acute or subacute clinical signs and succumbed to the infection between 10 to 27 (19.8 ± 4.66) days post-inoculation (dpi). The onset of clinical signs started around 4–14 dpi. Viremia was observed in pigs from 6–16 dpi (11.2 ± 3.55). Enlarged, hyperemic, and hemorrhagic lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, pneumonia, and hydropericardium were observed at post-mortem examinations.
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24
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Giammarioli M, Alessandro D, Cammà C, Masoero L, Torresi C, Marcacci M, Zoppi S, Curini V, Rinaldi A, Rossi E, Casciari C, Pela M, Pellegrini C, Iscaro C, Feliziani F. Molecular Characterization of the First African Swine Fever Virus Genotype II Strains Identified from Mainland Italy, 2022. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030372. [PMID: 36986294 PMCID: PMC10055901 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is responsible for important socio-economic effects in the global pig industry, especially for countries with large-scale piggery sectors. In January 2022, the African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II was identified in a wild boar population in mainland Italy (Piedmont region). This study describes the molecular characterization, by Sanger and next-generation sequencing (NGS), of the first index case 632/AL/2022 and of another isolate (2802/AL/2022) reported in the same month, in close proximity to the first, following multiple ASF outbreaks. Phylogenetic analysis based on the B646L gene and NGS clustered the isolates 632/AL/2022 and 2802/AL/2022 within the wide and most homogeneous p72 genotype II that includes viruses from European and Asian countries. The consensus sequence obtained from the ASFV 2802/AL/2022 isolate was 190,598 nucleotides in length and had a mean GC content of 38.38%. At the whole-genome level, ASF isolate 2802/AL/2022 showed a close genetic correlation with the other representative ASFV genotype II strains isolated between April 2007 and January 2022 from wild and domestic pigs in Eastern/Central European (EU) and Asian countries. CVR subtyping clustered the two Italian ASFV strains within the major CVR variant circulating since the first virus introduction in Georgia in 2007. Intergenic region I73R-I329L subtyping placed the Italian ASFV isolates within the variant identical to the strains frequently identified among wild boars and domestic pigs. Presently, given the high sequence similarity, it is impossible to trace the precise geographic origin of the virus at a country level. Moreover, the full-length sequences available in the NCBI are not completely representative of all affected territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Giammarioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Dondo Alessandro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Loretta Masoero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Torresi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurilia Marcacci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Simona Zoppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Curini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonio Rinaldi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Cristina Casciari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Michela Pela
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Pellegrini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmen Iscaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Feliziani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche "Togo Rosati", 06126 Perugia, Italy
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25
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A Generic Risk Assessment Model for Animal Disease Entry through Wildlife: The Example of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever in The Netherlands. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9811141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Animal diseases can enter countries or regions through the movements of infected wildlife. A generic risk model would allow to quantify the risk of entry via this introduction route for different diseases and wildlife species, despite the vast variety in both, and help policy-makers to make informed decisions. Here, we propose such a generic risk assessment model and illustrate its application by assessing the risk of entry of African swine fever (ASF) through wild boar and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) through wild birds for the Netherlands between 2014–2021. We used disease outbreak data and abstracted movement patterns to populate a stochastic risk model. We found that the entry risk of HPAI fluctuated between the years, with a peak in 2021. In that year, we estimated the number of infected birds to reach the Dutch border by wild bird migration at 273 (95% uncertainty interval: 254–290). The probability that ASF outbreaks that occurred between 2014 and 2021 reached the Dutch border through wild boar movement was very low throughout the whole period; only the upper confidence bound indicated a small entry risk. On a yearly scale, the predicted entry risk for HPAI correlated well with the number of observed outbreaks. In conclusion, we present a generic and flexible framework to assess the entry risk of disease through wildlife. The model allows rapid and transparent estimation of the entry risk for diverse diseases and wildlife species. The modular structure of the model allows for adding nuance and complexity when required or when more data becomes available.
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Buragohain L, Barman NN, Sen S, Bharali A, Dutta B, Choudhury B, Suresh KP, Gaurav S, Kumar R, Ali S, Kumar S, Singh Malik Y. Transmission of African Swine Fever Virus to the Wild Boars of Northeast India. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-10. [PMID: 36786106 PMCID: PMC10124978 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2178689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND India recorded the first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in North-eastern region (NER) in the year 2020. AIM The current study was undertaken to investigate the transmission of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in the wild boars of Northeast India, particularly of Assam. MATERIAL AND METHODS ASF suspected mortal tissue remains and blood samples of wild boars collected from different locations of Assam were screened for molecular detection of swine viruses which includes Classical swine fever virus, Porcine Circovirus 2, Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and ASFV. RESULTS One sample each from Manas and Nameri National Parks were detected positive for ASFV. Besides this, one of the samples was positive for CSFV and one of the ASFV positive samples was also positive for PCV2. Several striking gross and microscopic alterations were noticed in different organs of ASFV infected animals. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of B646L gene confirmed the presence of ASFV genotype-II in wild boars. Circulation of similar genotype in domestic pigs of NER in the contemporary period as well as locations near to the aforementioned national parks indicates the transmission of ASFV from domestic to wild boars. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The detection of ASFV in the wild boars of Assam is alarming as it is an impending threat to pig population and other endangered species (particularly Pygmy hog), making it increasingly daunting to control the disease. CONCLUSION Chances are high for ASFV to become endemic in Assam region if stringent measures are not taken at proper time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukumoni Buragohain
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Nagendra Nath Barman
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Suparna Sen
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Arpita Bharali
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Biswajit Dutta
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | | | | | | | - Rakesh Kumar
- Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Samsul Ali
- Wildlife Trust of India, CWRC, Kaziranga, Assam, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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Bohorquez JA, Lanka S, Rosell R, Pérez-Simó M, Alberch M, Rodriguez F, Ganges L, Maddox CW. Efficient detection of African Swine Fever Virus using minimal equipment through a LAMP PCR method. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1114772. [PMID: 36779186 PMCID: PMC9911463 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1114772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV) currently represents the biggest threat to the porcine industry worldwide, with high economic impact and severe animal health and welfare concerns. Outbreaks have occurred in Europe and Asia since ASFV was reintroduced into the continent in 2007 and, in 2021, ASFV was detected in the Caribbean, raising alarm about the reemergence of the virus in the Americas. Given the lack of vaccines against ASFV, control of the virus relies on molecular surveillance, which can be delayed due to the need for sample shipment to specialized laboratories. Isothermal PCR techniques, such as LAMP, have become increasingly attractive as point-of-care diagnostic tools given the minimal material expense, equipment, and training required. The present study aimed to develop a LAMP assay for the detection of ASFV. Four LAMP primer sets were designed, based on a consensus sequence for the ASFV p72 gene, and were tested using a synthetic plasmid containing the cloned ASFV p72 target gene as a positive control. Two primer sets, were selected for further validation, given their very short time for amplification. Both primer sets showed thermal stability, amplifying the ASFV DNA at temperatures between 60-70°C and proved to have an analytical limit of detection as low as one ASFV-plasmid DNA copy/µL, using both fluorometric and colorimetric methods. The selected primers did not yield false positive or cross reactive results with other common swine pathogens, showing high specificity. Testing of DNA-spiked samples showed that LAMP amplification was not affected by the nature of the matrices, including oral fluids, tonsils, blood, or rectal swabs. The primer sets were able to detect the two more prevalent ASFV genotypes in the field. Taken together, the results show that ASFV-LAMP-BG2 and ASFV-LAMP-BG3 would be a useful tool for rapid, highly sensitive on-site diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Alejandro Bohorquez
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Saraswathi Lanka
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Rosa Rosell
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Classical Swine Fever, IRTA-CReSA, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament d’Acció Climàtica, Alimentació i Agenda Rural, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-Simó
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Classical Swine Fever, IRTA-CReSA, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Alberch
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Classical Swine Fever, IRTA-CReSA, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodriguez
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Llilianne Ganges
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for Classical Swine Fever, IRTA-CReSA, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat mixta d’Investigació IRTA-UAB en Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- IRTA, Programa de Sanitat Animal, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carol W. Maddox
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Carol W. Maddox,
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Elnagar A, Blome S, Beer M, Hoffmann B. Point-of-Care Testing for Sensitive Detection of the African Swine Fever Virus Genome. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122827. [PMID: 36560831 PMCID: PMC9781289 DOI: 10.3390/v14122827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral hemorrhagic disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar. The disease is notifiable to the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH), and causes significant deaths and economic losses. There is currently no fully licensed vaccine available. As a result, early identification of the causative agent, ASF virus (ASFV), is crucial for the implementation of control measures. PCR and real-time PCR are the WOAH-recommended standard methods for the direct detection of ASFV. However, under special field conditions or in simple or remote field laboratories, there may be no sophisticated equipment or even stable electricity available. Under these circumstances, point-of-care systems can be put in place. Along these lines, a previously published, rapid, reliable, and electricity-free extraction method (TripleE) was used to isolate viral nucleic acid from diagnostic specimens. With this tool, nucleic acid extraction from up to eight diagnostic samples can be realized in one run in less than 10 min. In addition, the possibility of completely omitting viral DNA extraction was analyzed with so-called direct real-time PCR protocols using ASFV original samples diluted to 1:40 in RNase-free water. Furthermore, three real-time PCR cyclers, developed for use under field conditions (IndiField, Liberty16 and UF-300 GenecheckerTM), were comparatively applied for the sensitive high-speed detection of ASFV genomes, with overall PCR run times between 20 and 54 min. Depending on the viral DNA extraction/releasing method used and the point-of-care cycler applied, a total time for detection of 30 to 60 min for up to eight samples was feasible. As expected, the limitations in analytical sensitivity were positively correlated to the analysis time. These limitations are acceptable for ASFV diagnostics due to the expected high ASFV genome loads in diseased animals or carcasses.
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Oronasal or Intramuscular Immunization with a Thermo-Attenuated ASFV Strain Provides Full Clinical Protection against Georgia 2007/1 Challenge. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122777. [PMID: 36560781 PMCID: PMC9784117 DOI: 10.3390/v14122777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease of suids that induces high mortality in domestic pigs and wild boars. Given the current spread of ASF, the development of a vaccine is a priority. During an attempt to inactivate the Georgia 2007/1 strain via heat treatment, we fortuitously generated an attenuated strain called ASFV-989. Compared to Georgia, the ASFV-989 strain genome has a deletion of 7458 nucleotides located in the 5'-end encoding region of MGF 505/360, which allowed for developing a DIVA PCR system. In vitro, in porcine alveolar macrophages, the replication kinetics of the ASFV-989 and Georgia strains were identical. In vivo, specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pigs inoculated with the ASFV-989 strain, either intramuscularly or oronasally, exhibited transient hyperthermia and slightly decreased growth performance. Animals immunized with the ASFV-989 strain showed viremia 100 to 1000 times lower than those inoculated with the Georgia strain and developed a rapid antibody and cell-mediated response. In ASFV-989-immunized pigs challenged 2 or 4 weeks later with the Georgia strain, no symptoms were recorded and no viremia for the challenge strain was detected. These results show that the ASFV-989 strain is a promising non-GMO vaccine candidate that is usable either intramuscularly or oronasally.
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Schambow R, Colin Y, Dave W, Schettino DN, Perez AM. Enhancing passive surveillance for African swine fever detection on U.S. swine farms. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1080150. [PMID: 36532335 PMCID: PMC9755322 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1080150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
As the threat of African swine fever (ASF) introduction into new areas continues, animal health officials and epidemiologists need novel tools for early detection and surveillance. Passive surveillance from swine producers and veterinarians is critical to identify cases, especially the first introduction. Enhanced passive surveillance (EPS) protocols are needed that maximize temporal sensitivity for early ASF detection yet are easily implemented. Regularly collected production and disease data on swine farms may pose an opportunity for developing EPS protocols. To better understand the types of data regularly collected on swine farms and on-farm disease surveillance, a questionnaire was distributed in summer 2022 across multiple channels to MN swine producers. Thirty responses were received that indicated the majority of farms collect various types of disease information and conduct routine diagnostic testing for endemic swine diseases. Following this, a focus group discussion was held at the 2022 Leman Swine Conference where private and public stakeholders discussed the potential value of EPS, opportunities for collaboration, and challenges. The reported value of EPS varied by stakeholder group, but generally participants felt that for swine producers and packers, EPS would help identify abnormal disease occurrences. Many opportunities were identified for collaboration with ongoing industry initiatives and swine management software. Challenges included maintaining motivation for participation in ASF-free areas, labor, data sharing issues, and the cost of diagnostic testing. These highlight important issues to address, and future collaborations can help in the development of practical, fit-for-purpose, and valuable EPS protocols for ASF detection in the swine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Schambow
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Yoder Colin
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
| | - Wright Dave
- Private Veterinarian, Buffalo, MN, United States
| | - Daniella N. Schettino
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Instituto de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado de Mato Grosso (INDEA/MT), Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Andres M. Perez
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States
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31
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Madden DW, Sunwoo SY, Gaudreault NN, Trujillo JD, Morozov I, Gallardo C, Richt JA. Development of a chromatographic lateral flow immunoassay for detection of African swine fever virus antigen in blood. ANIMAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s44149-022-00045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAfrican swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal disease of domestic and wild swine caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). The disease currently circulates in Africa, Europe, Asia and on the island of Hispaniola. The ongoing epizootics in Europe and Asia have produced millions of animal deaths and severe economic losses. No effective vaccine is available for ASF, making rapid and accurate detection of ASFV essential for disease mitigation strategies. Currently available diagnostics for ASFV possess significant limitations related to assay performance, deployability, and/or turn-around time; therefore there is an unmet need for pen-side diagnostic tests with sufficient sensitivity and specificity. A chromatographic lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was developed for the detection of ASFV antigen in EDTA-treated whole blood using monoclonal antibodies targeting the viral p30 protein. The assay requires only water to perform and provides results in 25 min, making it well-suited for field use. The LFIA was capable of detecting genotype I and genotype II strains of ASFV in EDTA blood from experimentally infected pigs at varying time-points after infection, though it was unable to detect a genotype X ASFV strain. Diagnostic sensitivity correlated with clinical disease severity, body temperature, and viral DNA levels, and was over 90% in animals showing moderate to severe ASF-related symptoms after challenge with virulent genotype II virus. The LFIA also showed a robust diagnostic specificity of over 98%, which is essential to field testing for a high consequence to foregin animal disease. The LFIA targeting the viral p30 protein can reliably detect ASFV in whole blood from animals showing moderate to severe clinical signs of infection with virulent genotype I and II isolates, making it a promising candidate for use as a field-deployable antigen detection assay. Additional evaluation using field samples and different virus strains is required to further assess the utility of this rapid diagnostic test.
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32
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McDowell CD, Bold D, Trujillo JD, Meekins DA, Keating C, Cool K, Kwon T, Madden DW, Artiaga BL, Balaraman V, Ankhanbaatar U, Zayat B, Retallick J, Dodd K, Chung CJ, Morozov I, Gaudreault NN, Souza-Neto JA, Richt JA. Experimental Infection of Domestic Pigs with African Swine Fever Virus Isolated in 2019 in Mongolia. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122698. [PMID: 36560702 PMCID: PMC9781604 DOI: 10.3390/v14122698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is an infectious viral disease caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV), that causes high mortality in domestic swine and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Currently, outbreaks are mitigated through strict quarantine measures and the culling of affected herds, resulting in massive economic losses to the global pork industry. In 2019, an ASFV outbreak was reported in Mongolia, describing a rapidly progressing clinical disease and gross lesions consistent with the acute form of ASF; the virus was identified as a genotype II virus. Due to the limited information on clinical disease and viral dynamics within hosts available from field observations of the Mongolian isolates, we conducted the present study to further evaluate the progression of clinical disease, virulence, and pathology of an ASFV Mongolia/2019 field isolate (ASFV-MNG19), by experimental infection of domestic pigs. Intramuscular inoculation of domestic pigs with ASFV-MNG19 resulted in clinical signs and viremia at 3 days post challenge (DPC). Clinical disease rapidly progressed, resulting in the humane euthanasia of all pigs by 7 DPC. ASFV-MNG19 infected pigs had viremic titers of 108 TCID50/mL by 5 DPC and shed virus in oral secretions late in disease, as determined from oropharyngeal swabs. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed that the ASFV-MNG19 strain used in this study was a genotype II strain highly similar to other regional strains. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ASFV-MNG19 is a virulent genotype II ASFV strain that causes acute ASF in domestic swine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chester D. McDowell
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Dashzeveg Bold
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jessie D. Trujillo
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - David A. Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Cassidy Keating
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Konner Cool
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Taeyong Kwon
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Daniel W. Madden
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Bianca L. Artiaga
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Velmurugan Balaraman
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | - Batsukh Zayat
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Science, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Jamie Retallick
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Kimberly Dodd
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Chungwon J. Chung
- Proficiency and Validation Service Section, Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, NY 11944, USA
| | - Igor Morozov
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jayme A. Souza-Neto
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jürgen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Correspondence:
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Pérez-Núñez D, Sunwoo SY, García-Belmonte R, Kim C, Vigara-Astillero G, Riera E, Kim DM, Jeong J, Tark D, Ko YS, You YK, Revilla Y. Recombinant African Swine Fever Virus Arm/07/CBM/c2 Lacking CD2v and A238L Is Attenuated and Protects Pigs against Virulent Korean Paju Strain. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10121992. [PMID: 36560402 PMCID: PMC9784410 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is an obligated declaration swine disease, provoking farm isolation measures and the closing of affected country boarders. ASF virus (ASFV) is currently the cause of a pandemic across China and Eurasia. By the end of 2019, ASF was detected in nine EU Member States: Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Belgium. The affected area of the EU extended progressively, moving mostly in a southwestern direction (EFSA). Inactivated and/or subunit vaccines have proven to fail since certain virus replication is needed for protection. LAVs are thus the most realistic option, which must be safe, effective and industrially scalable. We here generated a vaccine prototype from the Arm/07/CBM/c2 genotype II strain, in which we have deleted the EP402R (CD2v) and A238L genes by CRISPR/Cas9 in COS-1 cells, without detectable further genetic changes. The successful immunization of pigs has proven this vaccine to be safe and fully protective against the circulating Korean Paju genotype II strain, opening the possibility of a new vaccine on the market in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pérez-Núñez
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sun-Young Sunwoo
- Careside Co., Ltd., Sagimakgol-ro 45 Beongil 14, Seongnam-si 13209, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Raquel García-Belmonte
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Chansong Kim
- Careside Co., Ltd., Sagimakgol-ro 45 Beongil 14, Seongnam-si 13209, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gonzalo Vigara-Astillero
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Riera
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dae-min Kim
- Laboratory for infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Ma-dong, Iksan 54531, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyun Jeong
- Careside Co., Ltd., Sagimakgol-ro 45 Beongil 14, Seongnam-si 13209, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Laboratory for infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Ma-dong, Iksan 54531, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Seung Ko
- Laboratory for infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Ma-dong, Iksan 54531, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kook You
- Careside Co., Ltd., Sagimakgol-ro 45 Beongil 14, Seongnam-si 13209, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yolanda Revilla
- Microbes in Health and Welfare Department, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, c/Nicolás Cabrera 1, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-911964570
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Penrith ML, Van Heerden J, Heath L, Abworo EO, Bastos ADS. Review of the Pig-Adapted African Swine Fever Viruses in and Outside Africa. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101190. [PMID: 36297247 PMCID: PMC9609104 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The region in eastern, central and southern Africa (ECSA) where African swine fever (ASF) originated in a sylvatic cycle is home to all the p72 genotypes of ASF virus identified so far. While 20 of the 24 genotypes have been isolated from outbreaks in domestic pigs in the region, only five of the genotypes (I, II, VIII, IX, X) have an extended field presence associated with domestic pigs. Of the genotypes that appear to be strongly adapted to domestic pigs, two have spread beyond the African continent and have been the focus of efforts to develop vaccines against ASF. Most of the experimental ASF vaccines described do not protect against a wider spectrum of viruses and may be less useful in the event of incursions of different strains or where multiple genotypes co-exist. The other three pig-adapted strains that are currently restricted to the ECSA region might spread, and priority should be given to understanding not only the genetic and antigenic characteristics of these viruses but also their history. We review historic and current knowledge of the distribution of these five virus genotypes, and note that as was the case for genotype II, some pig-associated viruses have the propensity for geographical range expansion. These features are valuable for prioritizing vaccine-development efforts to ensure a swift response to virus escape. However, whilst ASF vaccines are critical for high-production systems, global food security relies on parallel efforts to improve biosecurity and pig production in Africa and on continued ASFV surveillance and characterisation in the ECSA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Louise Penrith
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- Correspondence: or
| | - Juanita Van Heerden
- Transboundary Animal Diseases, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Livio Heath
- Transboundary Animal Diseases, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Edward Okoth Abworo
- Biosciences, Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Armanda D. S. Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Loi F, Di Sabatino D, Baldi I, Rolesu S, Gervasi V, Guberti V, Cappai S. Estimation of R 0 for the Spread of the First ASF Epidemic in Italy from Fresh Carcasses. Viruses 2022; 14:2240. [PMID: 36298795 PMCID: PMC9607429 DOI: 10.3390/v14102240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
After fifty years of spread in the European continent, the African swine fever (ASF) virus was detected for the first time in the north of Italy (Piedmont) in a wild boar carcass in December, 2021. During the first six months of the epidemic, the central role of wild boars in disease transmission was confirmed by more than 200 outbreaks, which occurred in two different areas declared as infected. The virus entered a domestic pig farm in the second temporal cluster identified in the center of the country (Lazio). Understanding ASF dynamics in wild boars is a prerequisite for preventing the spread, and for designing and applying effective surveillance and control plans. The aim of this work was to describe and evaluate the data collected during the first six months of the ASF epidemic in Italy, and to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0) in order to quantify the extent of disease spread. The R0 estimates were significantly different for the two spatio-temporal clusters of ASF in Italy, and they identified the two infected areas based on the time necessary for the number of cases to double (td) and on an exponential decay model. These results (R0 = 1.41 in Piedmont and 1.66 in Lazio) provide quantitative knowledge on the epidemiology of ASF in Italy. These parameters could represent a fundamental tool for modeling country-specific ASF transmission and for monitoring both the spread and sampling effort needed to detect the disease early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Loi
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale della Sardegna, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Daria Di Sabatino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Ileana Baldi
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sandro Rolesu
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale della Sardegna, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gervasi
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Vittorio Guberti
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), 00144 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Cappai
- Osservatorio Epidemiologico Veterinario Regionale della Sardegna, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Dankwa EA, Lambert S, Hayes S, Thompson RN, Donnelly CA. Stochastic modelling of African swine fever in wild boar and domestic pigs: Epidemic forecasting and comparison of disease management strategies. Epidemics 2022; 40:100622. [PMID: 36041286 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2022.100622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF), caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is highly virulent in domestic pigs and wild boar (Sus scrofa), causing up to 100% mortality. The recent epidemic of ASF in Europe has had a serious economic impact and poses a threat to global food security. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment or vaccine against ASFV, limiting the available disease management strategies. Mathematical models allow us to further our understanding of infectious disease dynamics and evaluate the efficacy of disease management strategies. The ASF Challenge, organised by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, aimed to expand the development of ASF transmission models to inform policy makers in a timely manner. Here, we present the model and associated projections produced by our team during the challenge. We developed a stochastic model combining transmission between wild boar and domestic pigs, which was calibrated to synthetic data corresponding to different phases describing the epidemic progression. The model was then used to produce forward projections describing the likely temporal evolution of the epidemic under various disease management scenarios. Despite the interventions implemented, long-term projections forecasted persistence of ASFV in wild boar, and hence repeated outbreaks in domestic pigs. A key finding was that it is important to consider the timescale over which different measures are evaluated: interventions that have only limited effectiveness in the short term may yield substantial long-term benefits. Our model has several limitations, partly because it was developed in real-time. Nonetheless, it can inform understanding of the likely development of ASF epidemics and the efficacy of disease management strategies, should the virus continue its spread in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sébastien Lambert
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin N Thompson
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Christl A Donnelly
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
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Galli F, Friker B, Bearth A, Dürr S. Direct and indirect pathways for the spread of African swine fever and other porcine infectious diseases: An application of the mental models approach. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2602-e2616. [PMID: 35665473 PMCID: PMC9796639 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the occurrence of direct and indirect infectious disease transmission pathways among pig farms in Switzerland, as well as their specific relevance for the spread of African swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and enzootic pneumonia. Data were collected using an adapted mental models approach, involving initial interviews with experts in the field of pig health and logistics, semi-structured interviews with pig farmers, and a final expert workshop, during which all identified pathways were graded by their predicted frequency of occurrence, their likelihood of spread of the three diseases of interest, and their overall relevance considering both parameters. As many as 24 disease pathways were identified in four areas: pig trade, farmer encounters, external collaborators, and environmental or other pathways. Two thirds of the pathways were expected to occur with moderate-to-high frequency. While both direct and indirect pig trade transmission routes were highly relevant for the spread of the three pathogens, pathways from the remaining areas were especially important for PRRS due to higher spread potential via aerosols and fomites. In addition, we identified factors modifying the relevance of disease pathways, such as farm production type and affiliation with trader companies. During the interviews, we found varying levels of risk perception among farmers concerning some of the pathways, which affected adherence to biosecurity measures and were often linked to the degree of trust that farmers had towards their colleagues and external collaborators. Our findings highlight the importance of integrating indirect disease pathways into existing surveillance and control strategies and in disease modelling efforts. We also propose that biosecurity training aimed at professionals and risk communication campaigns targeting farmers should be considered to mitigate the risk of disease spread through the identified pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Galli
- Veterinary Public Health Institute (VPHI)Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Brian Friker
- Veterinary Public Health Institute (VPHI)Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Angela Bearth
- Consumer BehaviorInstitute for Environmental DecisionsSwiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ)ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute (VPHI)Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
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Chenais E, Depner K, Ebata A, Penrith M, Pfeiffer DU, Price C, Ståhl K, Fischer K. Exploring the hurdles that remain for control of African swine fever in smallholder farming settings. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3370-e3378. [PMID: 35737577 PMCID: PMC9796485 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
To honour the 100 years anniversary of the first publication about African swine fever (ASF) a webinar with a particular focus on disease control in the smallholder sector was organized. This article is based on the webinar, summarizing the early history of ASF research, reflecting on the current global disease situation and bringing forward some suggestions that could contribute towards achieving control of ASF. The first description of ASF by R. Eustace Montgomery in 1921 laid the foundations for what we know about the disease today. Subsequent research confirmed its association with warthogs and soft ticks of the Ornithodoros moubata complex. During the latter half of the 21st century, exponential growth of pig production in Africa has led to a change in the ASF-epidemiology pattern. It is now dominated by a cycle involving domestic pigs and pork with virus spread driven by people. In 2007, a global ASF epidemic started, reaching large parts of Europe, Asia and the Americas. In Europe, this epidemic has primarily affected wild boar. In Asia, wild boar, smallholders and industrialized pig farms have been affected with impact on local, national and international pig value chains. Globally and historically, domestic pigs in smallholder settings are most frequently affected and the main driver of ASF virus transmission. Awaiting a safe and efficacious vaccine, we need to continue focus on other measures, such as biosecurity, for controlling the disease. However, smallholders face specific challenges linked to poverty and other structural factors in implementing biosecurity measures that can prevent spread. Improving biosecurity in the smallholder sector thus remains an important tool for preventing and controlling ASF. In this regard, interdisciplinary research can help to find new ways to promote safe practices, facilitate understanding and embrace smallholders' perspectives, engage stakeholders and adjust prevention and control policies to improve implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Chenais
- Department of Disease Control and EpidemiologyNational Veterinary InstituteUppsalaSweden
| | - Klaus Depner
- Institute for International Animal Health / One HealthFriedrich‐Loeffler‐InstitutGreifswald‐Insel RiemsGermany
| | - Ayako Ebata
- Institute of Development StudiesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - Mary‐Louise Penrith
- Department of Veterinary Tropical DiseasesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| | - Dirk U. Pfeiffer
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy AdviceCity University of Hong KongHong KongPR China,Pathobiology and Population SciencesRoyal Veterinary CollegeLondonUK
| | - Cortney Price
- Animal Production and Health DivisionFood and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsRomeItaly
| | - Karl Ståhl
- Department of Disease Control and EpidemiologyNational Veterinary InstituteUppsalaSweden
| | - Klara Fischer
- Department of Urban and Rural DevelopmentSwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
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Zurita M, Martignette L, Barrera J, Carrie M, Piscatelli H, Hangman A, Brake D, Neilan J, Petrik D, Puckette M. Detection of African swine fever virus utilizing the portable MatMaCorp ASF detection system. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:2600-2608. [PMID: 34871471 PMCID: PMC9786863 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) has emerged as a major threat to domestic and wild suid populations, and its continued spread threatens commercial swine production worldwide. The causative agent of ASF, African swine fever virus (ASFV), possesses a linear, double stranded DNA genome. Traditional detection of ASFV relies on laboratory-based virus isolation or real-time PCR of samples, typically blood or spleen, obtained from suspect cases. While effective, these methodologies are not easily field deployable, a major limitation during disease outbreak and response management scenarios. In this report, we evaluated the MatMaCorp Solas 8® ASFV detection system, a field deployable DNA extraction and fluorescent detection device, for its ability to extract and detect ASFV from multiple sample types obtained from domestic swine experimentally infected with ASFV strain Georgia. We found that the MatMaCorp Solas 8® ASFV detection device, and affiliated MagicTip™ DNA extraction and C-SAND™ assay kits, readily detected ASFV in blood and spleen, as well as other sample types, including pinna, liver, skin, muscle and bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariceny Zurita
- SAIC (formerly with Leidos)Plum Island Animal Disease CenterGreenportNew York
| | - Lauren Martignette
- SAIC (formerly with Leidos)Plum Island Animal Disease CenterGreenportNew York
| | - Jose Barrera
- SAIC (formerly with Leidos)Plum Island Animal Disease CenterGreenportNew York
| | | | | | | | - David Brake
- BioQuest Associates, LLCPlum Island Animal Disease CenterGreenportNew York
| | - John Neilan
- US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology DirectoratePlum Island Animal Disease CenterGreenportNew York
| | | | - Michael Puckette
- US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology DirectoratePlum Island Animal Disease CenterGreenportNew York
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Effects of habitat fragmentation and hunting activities on African swine fever dynamics among wild boar populations. Prev Vet Med 2022; 208:105750. [PMID: 36054970 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) has been slowly but steadily increasing its endemic range throughout Europe, posing an imminent risk to the pig industry. ASF transmission among wild boar occurs mainly through wild boar population movements, hence wild boar presence and density are important risk factors for introducing, maintaining, and spreading the disease. The understanding of wild boar population dynamics and their role in ASF transmission and persistence remains limited. It is crucial to gain knowledge in this area to improve wildlife management while minimizing the risks for ASF introduction and spread. We adapted an individual-based spatio-temporal stochastic model developed by Halasa et al. (2019) and tailored it to two regions in France. The model assessed yearly hunting activity, the carcass persistence seasonality, and the specific landscape characteristics of the Franco-Belgian border region and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. Following the establishment of local population dynamics through preliminary runs of the model, the model was run 100 iterations over 8 years in the two study areas where ASF was randomly seeded after the 2nd year of simulation. For each scenario, the model was initiated with 500 wild boar groups randomly spread across the study areas. Hunting activities were included and excluded to assess the impact on population growth and ASF spread. Results showed an ever-growing wild boar population for all scenarios, which was balanced when hunting activities were included. When introducing ASF, the wild boar populations were dramatically impacted in both areas with a decrease of 63 % of the population at the Franco-Belgian border and 86 % in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. Habitat fragmentation and landscape connectivity were highlighted as important factors shaping ASF propagation. The Franco-Belgian border, which had the most fragmented habitat with unsuitable areas for wild boars, was shown to limit wild boar movements, reducing the probability, and spread of ASF across the landscape. The lack of connectivity was reflected in a less effective transmission and lower number of infected groups (406 versus 467). In contrast, the epidemic duration was lengthened in the fragmented habitat compared to the homogenous area (2.6 years vs 1.6 years). This study provided information on defining and implementing control measures in case of an ASF incursion, since delimitation of the area via fences artificially induces landscape fragmentation, which is important for controlling ASF outbreaks.
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Rademacher C, Brown J, Karriker L. Impact of human behavior on the spread of African swine fever virus: what every veterinarian should know. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:1413-1417. [PMID: 35905149 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.06.0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever virus was first identified and characterized in Africa in the early 1900s, but it has spread exponentially in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean since 2018. While it is a disease that exclusively affects swine, thus posing no infectious risk to human health, the virus's resiliency and human behavior have facilitated the rapid global dissemination of the virus over the past 4 years. In this Currents in One Health, we will review its epidemiology, viral characteristics, host range, and current prevention strategies; the current perspective on what a response would look like and who would be affected; and if the virus was ever found in the US. Due to the fact that the virus affects all breeds of Sus scrofa, including those used for food and companionship, it is vital for all veterinarians to work together to keep the virus out of the US. It is only through the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally that we can contain the spread of this virus.
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Desvars-Larrive A, Käsbohrer A. Surveillance and Control of African Swine Fever in the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic, March-May 2020: A Multi-Country E-Survey. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:867631. [PMID: 35774983 PMCID: PMC9238323 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.867631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Stringent COVID-19 public health and social measures (PHSMs) have challenged the work of animal health professionals, especially in the early phase of the pandemic. We aimed to qualitatively describe how COVID-19 PHSMs have affected the surveillance and control of African swine fever (ASF) in Europe, assess how professionals engaged in these activities perceived the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, and identify potential areas of improvement. An online questionnaire was proposed via email between 9 December 2020 and 22 January 2021 to professionals engaged in ASF-related activities in Europe and Eastern neighboring countries. The questionnaire contained questions pertaining to ASF surveillance and control activities between March and May 2020, respondent's perception of the impact of COVID-19 PHSMs on these activities, and respondent's opinion on potential improvements to prepare for future crises. Economic and sanitary variables were used to describe the national contexts over the study period. Twenty-seven respondents from 24 countries participated to the study. Essential activities related to surveillance and management of ASF were reduced and/or adapted but maintained in most surveyed countries. Communication was mentioned as the first area of improvement during crisis while maintenance of efficient veterinary services and surveillance activities were cited second and third top priorities. The need for the development of remote procedures was also recognized. Some respondents highlighted difficulties in ensuring biosecurity and biosafety of the field actors due to shortage in protective equipment. Only a small majority (52%) of the survey participants agreed that their institution/working group is better prepared to future lockdown-type situations. Our study emphasizes that short-term measures were globally successful to tackle the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the routine duties of professionals involved in ASF surveillance and control. Our findings suggest that country-specific improvements are necessary to support and advance the preparedness of the actors involved in infectious animal disease surveillance and control in case lockdown-like measures are implemented. Overall, our results highlight the crucial importance of recognizing animal health services as essential activities during crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- VetFarm, University of Veterinary Medicine, Pottenstein, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annemarie Käsbohrer
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Iscaro C, Dondo A, Ruocco L, Masoero L, Giammarioli M, Zoppi S, Guberti V, Feliziani F. January 2022: Index case of new African Swine Fever incursion in mainland Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:1707-1711. [PMID: 35511712 PMCID: PMC9540274 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Iscaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria-Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dondo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria, Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino, 10154, Italy
| | - Luigi Ruocco
- Ministero della Salute, Viale G. Ribotta, 5, Roma, 00144, Italy
| | - Loretta Masoero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria, Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino, 10154, Italy
| | - Monica Giammarioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria-Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, Perugia, 06126, Italy
| | - Simona Zoppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria, Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino, 10154, Italy
| | - Vittorio Guberti
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano Emilia, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Feliziani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria-Marche "Togo Rosati", Via G. Salvemini 1, Perugia, 06126, Italy
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Baños JV, Boklund A, Gogin A, Gortázar C, Guberti V, Helyes G, Kantere M, Korytarova D, Linden A, Masiulis M, Miteva A, Neghirla I, Oļševskis E, Ostojic S, Petr S, Staubach C, Thulke H, Viltrop A, Wozniakowski G, Broglia A, Abrahantes Cortiñas J, Dhollander S, Mur L, Papanikolaou A, Van der Stede Y, Zancanaro G, Ståhl K. Epidemiological analyses of African swine fever in the European Union: (September 2020 to August 2021). EFSA J 2022; 20:e07290. [PMID: 35515335 PMCID: PMC9066549 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This report provides a descriptive analysis of the African swine fever (ASF) Genotype II epidemic in the affected Member States in the EU and two neighbouring countries for the period from 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021. ASF continued to spread in wild boar in the EU, it entered Germany in September 2020, while Belgium became free from ASF in October 2020. No ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs nor cases in wild boar have been reported in Greece since February 2020. In the Baltic States, overall, there has been a declining trend in proportions of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive samples from wild boar carcasses in the last few years. In the other countries, the proportions of PCR-positive wild boar carcasses remained high, indicating continuing spread of the disease. A systematic literature review revealed that the risk factors most frequently significantly associated with ASF in domestic pigs were pig density, low levels of biosecurity and socio-economic factors. For wild boar, most significant risk factors were related to habitat, socio-economic factors and wild boar management. The effectiveness of different control options in the so-named white zones, areas where wild boar densities have been drastically reduced to avoid further spread of ASF after a new introduction, was assessed with a stochastic model. Important findings were that establishing a white zone is much more challenging when the area of ASF incursion is adjacent to an area where limited control measures are in place. Very stringent wild boar population reduction measures in the white zone are key to success. The white zone needs to be far enough away from the affected core area so that the population can be reduced in time before the disease arrives and the timing of this will depend on the wild boar density and the required population reduction target in the white zone. Finally, establishing a proactive white zone along the demarcation line of an affected area requires higher culling efforts, but has a higher chance of success to stop the spread of the disease than establishing reactive white zones after the disease has already entered in the area.
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Andraud M, Hammami P, Hayes BH, Galvis JA, Vergne T, Machado G, Rose N. Modelling African swine fever virus spread in pigs using time-respective network data: Scientific support for decision-makers. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2132-e2144. [PMID: 35390229 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) represents the main threat to swine production, with heavy economic consequences for both farmers and the food industry. The spread of the virus that causes ASF through Europe raises the issues of identifying transmission routes and assessing their relative contributions in order to provide insights to stakeholders for adapted surveillance and control measures. A simulation model was developed to assess ASF spread over the commercial swine network in France. The model was designed from raw movement data and actual farm characteristics. A metapopulation approach was used, with transmission processes at the herd level potentially leading to external spread to epidemiologically connected herds. Three transmission routes were considered: local transmission (e.g. fomites, material exchange), movement of animals from infected to susceptible sites, and transit of trucks without physical animal exchange. Surveillance was represented by prevalence and mortality detection thresholds at herd level, which triggered control measures through movement ban for detected herds and epidemiologically related herds. The time from infection to detection varied between 8 and 21 days, depending on the detection criteria, but was also dependent on the types of herds in which the infection was introduced. Movement restrictions effectively reduced the transmission between herds, but local transmission was nevertheless observed in higher proportions highlighting the need of global awareness of all actors of the swine industry to mitigate the risk of local spread. Raw movement data were directly used to build a dynamic network on a realistic time-scale. This approach allows for a rapid update of input data without any pre-treatment, which could be important in terms of responsiveness, should an introduction occur. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Andraud
- ANSES, EPISABE Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Ploufragan, France
| | - Pachka Hammami
- ANSES, EPISABE Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Ploufragan, France
| | | | - Jason Ardila Galvis
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Timothée Vergne
- UMR ENVT-INRAE IHAP, National Veterinary School of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Gustavo Machado
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Nicolas Rose
- ANSES, EPISABE Unit, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Ploufragan, France
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Tanneberger F, Abd El Wahed A, Fischer M, Deutschmann P, Roszyk H, Carrau T, Blome S, Truyen U. Efficacy of Liming Forest Soil in the Context of African Swine Fever Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:734. [PMID: 35458464 PMCID: PMC9025520 DOI: 10.3390/v14040734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Since September 2020, Germany has experienced the first ever outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). The first known cases occurred exclusively in wild boar in forest areas in Brandenburg and Saxony; in July 2021, infected domestic pigs were also confirmed for the first time. As wild boar are considered the main reservoir for the virus in the European region, an effective interruption of this infection chain is essential. In particular, the removal and safe disposal of infected carcasses and the direct disinfection of contaminated, unpaved ground are priorities in this regard. For the disinfection, highly potent as well as environmentally compatible disinfectants must be used, which are neither influenced in their effectiveness by the soil condition nor by increased organic contamination. Thus, in this study, slaked lime, milk of lime and quicklime (1% to 10% solutions) were selected for efficacy testing against the test virus recommended by the German Veterinary Society (DVG), Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus (MVAV), and ASF virus (ASFV) in conjunction with six different forest soils from Saxony in two different soil layers (top soil and mineral soil) each. In summary, 10% of any tested lime type is able to inactivate both MVAV and ASFV under conditions of high organic load and independent of the water content of the soil. At least a 4 log reduction of the virus titer in all tested forest soil types and layers and by all applied lime types was observed. In conclusion, the high efficacy and suitability of all tested lime products against both viruses and in the presence of high organic load in forest soil can be confirmed and will help to control ASF spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Tanneberger
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melina Fischer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Paul Deutschmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hanna Roszyk
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Tessa Carrau
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sandra Blome
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Standardised Sampling Approach for Investigating Pathogens or Environmental Chemicals in Wild Game at Community Hunts. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070888. [PMID: 35405877 PMCID: PMC8996972 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Wild game can host pathogens capable of infecting humans, livestock, and companion animals or accumulate environmental chemicals that may be transferred via food of animal origin. For food safety research, as well as for various other scientific purposes, the provision of a sufficient number of samples without unnecessary disturbance or killing of animals is a major limitation. With the presented approach, it was possible to obtain samples from game animals killed as part of standard ungulate management practice. Examples of organs, tissues, and other matrices that have been used in wild ungulate studies in Europe and that may be obtained through this approach are summarised as well. The basis of this approach was a framework agreement with the BImA, whereby federal forest officials carried out sampling with the help of hunters at drive hunts from 2017/18 to 2020/21 in Brandenburg, Germany. Numerous samples from four ungulate species were obtained. The number of sampled animals per hunt differed between hunting districts and hunting seasons. Districts with higher hunting bags also promise higher sampling success. This approach can serve as the basis for long-term monitoring of animal and public health threats associated with wildlife and is adaptable to other regions. Abstract Wildlife may host pathogens and chemicals of veterinary and public health relevance, as well as pathogens with significant economic relevance for domestic livestock. In conducting research on the occurrence and distribution of these agents in wildlife, a major challenge is the acquisition of a sufficient number of samples coupled with efficient use of manpower and time. The aim of this article is to present the methodology and output of a sampling approach for game animals, which was implemented from 2017/18 to 2020/21 at drive hunts in Brandenburg, Germany. The central element was a framework agreement with the BImA, whereby federal forest officials and other hunters collected most of the samples during field dressing. Further samples of game carcasses were obtained by scientists during subsequent gathering at a collection point. Altogether, 3185 samples from 938 wild ungulates of four species were obtained for various studies analysing—in this case—food-borne agents in game animals. Sampling was representative and reflected the proportional distribution of ungulate species hunted in Brandenburg. Hunting district and hunting season strongly influenced hunting bag and hence sampling success. This sampling approach was demonstrated to be a suitable basis for monitoring programs, that can be adapted to other regions.
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Adedeji AJ, Atai RB, Gyang HE, Gambo P, Habib MA, Weka R, Muwanika VB, Masembe C, Luka PD. Live pig markets are hotspots for spread of African swine fever virus in Nigeria. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1526-e1540. [PMID: 35179830 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Livestock trading through live animal markets are potential pathways for the introduction and spread of economically important pathogens like the African swine fever virus (ASFV) to new areas in several countries. Due to the high demand for live pigs in Nigeria both for restocking and slaughter, live pigs are sold at designated live pig markets (LPM) in the country. This involves movement of pigs over long distances. Despite, reports of ASF outbreaks following restocking of pigs bought from LPMs, there is paucity of information on the role of LPMs in the epidemiology of ASF. In this study, data and pig samples (whole blood, sera, tissue) were collected from 4 selected LPMs in Nigeria (Dawaki, Katsit, Numan & Pandam) between 2019 and 2020. Samples were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Four genes of ASFV positive samples were characterized to identify the circulating genotypes. Results revealed trade activities involving transportation of pigs from these selected markets to 42 major cities and towns in thirteen (13) States of Nigeria. PCR results revealed an overall ASF prevalence of 10.77% (66/613). ASFV was confirmed by PCR in all the selected LPMs with a prevalence rate of 3.13%-23.81%. The phylogeny revealed genotype I and serogroup 4 based on the p72 protein that encodes the B646L gene and the EP402R gene encoding the CD2V. While sequence analysis of CVR of B602L gene revealed 8 tetrameric repeats variants, six of which have never been reported in Nigeria. Analysis of sera samples recorded a seroprevalence of 6.9% (16/217) within the study period. Findings from this study show that LPM are hotspots and channels for transmission and continuous spread of ASFV in Nigeria. Therefore, for ASF to be controlled in Nigeria, disease surveillance and regulation at LPMs are critical. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeyinka J Adedeji
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria.,College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Helen E Gyang
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Panzam Gambo
- Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Maimuna A Habib
- Animal Health and Clinical Services Division, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Rebecca Weka
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Vincent B Muwanika
- College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pam D Luka
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
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Sun H, Niu Q, Yang J, Zhao Y, Tian Z, Fan J, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Geng S, Zhang Y, Guan G, Williams DT, Luo J, Yin H, Liu Z. Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Features of Immune Response and Metabolism of Acutely Infected, Dead and Asymptomatic Infection of African Swine Fever Virus in Pigs. Front Immunol 2022; 12:808545. [PMID: 34975923 PMCID: PMC8714921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.808545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV) infection can result in lethal disease in pigs. ASFV encodes 150-167 proteins, of which only approximately 50 encoded viral structure proteins are functionally known. ASFV also encodes some nonstructural proteins that are involved in the regulation of viral transcription, viral replication and evasion from host defense. However, the understanding of the molecular correlates of the severity of these infections is still limited. The purpose of this study was to compare host and viral gene expression differences and perform functional analysis in acutely infected, dead and cohabiting asymptomatic pigs infected with ASFV by using RNA-Seq technique; healthy pigs were used as controls. A total of 3,760 and 2,874 upregulated genes and 4,176 and 2,899 downregulated genes were found in healthy pigs vs. acutely infected, dead pigs or asymptomatic pigs, respectively. Additionally, 941 upregulated genes and 956 downregulated genes were identified in asymptomatic vs. acutely infected, dead pigs. Different alternative splicing (AS) events were also analyzed, as were gene chromosome locations, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network prediction analysis was performed for significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In addition, 30 DEGs were validated by RT-qPCR, and the results were consistent with the RNA-Seq results. We further analyzed the interaction between ASFV and its host at the molecular level and predicted the mechanisms responsible for asymptomatic pigs based on the selected DEGs. Interestingly, we found that some viral genes in cohabiting asymptomatic pigs might integrate into host genes (DP96R, I73R and L83L) or remain in the tissues of cohabiting asymptomatic pigs. In conclusion, the data obtained in the present study provide new evidence for further elucidating ASFV-host interactions and the ASFV infection mechanism and will facilitate the implementation of integrated strategies for controlling ASF spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Sun
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qingli Niu
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jifei Yang
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaru Zhao
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhancheng Tian
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Fan
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhonghui Zhang
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yiwang Wang
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuxian Geng
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yulong Zhang
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guiquan Guan
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - David T Williams
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Jianxun Luo
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- African Swine Fever Regional Laboratory, China (Lanzhou) and State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Penrith ML, Kivaria FM. One hundred years of African swine fever in Africa: where have we been, where are we now, where are we going? Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1179-e1200. [PMID: 35104041 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
One hundred years have passed since the first paper on African swine fever (ASF) was published by Montgomery in 1921. With no vaccine, ineffectiveness of prevention and control measures, and lack of common interest in eradicating the disease, ASF has proven to be one of the most devastating diseases because of its significant sanitary and socioeconomic consequences. The rapid spread of the disease on the European and Asian continents and its recent appearance in the Caribbean puts all countries at great risk because of global trade. The incidence of ASF has also increased on the African continent over the last few decades, extending its distribution far beyond the area in which the ancient sylvatic cycle is present with its complex epidemiological transmission pathways involving virus reservoirs in ticks and wild African Suidae. Both in that area and elsewhere, efficient transmission by infected domestic pigs and virus resistance in infected animal products and fomites mean that human driven factors along the pig value chain are the dominant impediments for its prevention, control, and eradication. Control efforts in Africa are furthermore hampered by the lack of information about the size and location of the fast-growing pig population, particularly in the dynamic smallholder sector that constitutes up to 90% of pig production in the region. A vaccine that will be both affordable and effective against multiple genotypes of the virus is not a short-term reality. Therefore, a strategy for management of ASF in sub-Saharan Africa is needed to provide a roadmap for the way forward for the continent. This review explores the progression of ASF and our knowledge of it through research over a century in Africa, our current understanding of ASF, and what must be done going forwards to improve the African situation and contribute to global prevention and control. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Louise Penrith
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Fredrick Mathias Kivaria
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Block P, Level 3, United Nations Complex, UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, PO Box: 30470, GPO, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
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