African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), a member of the Asfarviridae family. First identified in Kenya in 1921, ASF has since spread globally. The disease presents with symptoms such as high fever, haemorrhages, and respiratory distress, often leading to mortality rates nearing 100% in severe cases. Unlike swine influenza, ASF does not affect humans, but its impact on pig populations is devastating, with no fully approved vaccine or cure available to date. Economically, ASF poses a severe threat to the global pork industry. The 2018 outbreak in China, the world’s largest pork producer, resulted in the culling of millions of pigs, slashing production by 40% and causing pork prices to soar by up to 85% globally. In Vietnam, the 2019 outbreak led to losses of nearly six million pigs, costing billions and threatening rural livelihoods.
Innovations for ASF eradication are advancing, with promising developments. Recent research has produced live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) showing efficacy against homologous ASFV strains, coupled with DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategies for monitoring. Oral vaccines for wild boar, a key reservoir, are also under trial, aiming to curb transmission in wildlife. Enhanced biosecurity and traceability are likely to be key to successful eradication.
At Xsights, we have partnered with Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry to investigate how using sensor-based monitoring via our patented Xiot-G ear tag can enhance traceability of pigs within and between farms, to better understand the prevalence and incidence of African Swine Fever. Using the Xiot-G ear tag to provide continuous temperature and activity-based monitoring we endeavour to more effectively detect early warning signs of an outbreak and limit the spread of disease. By combining traceability and continuous monitoring we hope to provide an efficient tool to aid in eradication of disease. With collaboration between countries and stakeholders who support eradication programmes there is hope for future control.
References
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), 2023.
Nguyen-Thi, T., Pham-Thi-Ngoc, L., Nguyen-Ngoc, Q., Dang-Xuan, S., Lee, H. S., Nguyen-Viet, H., … & Rich, K. M. (2021). An assessment of the economic impacts of the 2019 African swine fever outbreaks in Vietnam. Frontiers in veterinary science, 8, 686038. Mason-D’Croz, D., Bogard, J.R., Herrero, M. et al. Modelling the global economic consequences of a major African swine fever outbreak in China. Nat Food1, 221–228 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-020-0057-2
Dr. Olivia Brabant
BVetMed PhD PGCert (Public Health) MRCVS
Chief Veterinary Officer
Xsights Digital