Tackling African swine fever in India

Abstract

Globally, African swine fever (ASF) is the most feared swine viral disease, associated with a mortality rate of up to 100%. More than half of the world’s swine population is located in Asia. ASF outbreaks in Asia have a significant impact on the global pig industry. Pig industry’s economic losses have been huge because of ASF outbreaks. Swine husbandry in India is in a flourishing phase to meet food security demands, but the losses associated with ASF greatly hamper its expansion. ASF in India can be controlled and eradicated through strict biosecurity measures and vaccination. Development of penside point-of-care (POC) rapid diagnostics and effective indigenous vaccines are prerequisites to tackle ASF in India. Sensitization of veterinary professionals, researchers, and pig farmers about disease pathogenesis, transmission, and impact are crucial part of ASF control. This review presents the status of ASF in India in comparison to other parts of the world, and current approaches in India to deal with ASF. Further roadmap to combat this calamitous swine infection in India.