Co-circulation of two genetically distinct viruses in an outbreak of African swine fever in Mozambique: no evidence for individual co-infection

In 1998, domestic pigs originating from villages within a 40 km radius of Ulongwe in the northern Tete Province of Mozambique were held in a quarantine facility for a 3-month period prior to their importation into South Africa. Eight of a total of 25 pigs died within the first 3 weeks of quarantine of what appeared clinically and on post mortem examination to be African swine fever (ASF). Organs were collected and preserved in formol-glycerosaline and the presence of ASF virus in these specimens was confirmed by three independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Two gene regions were characterised, namely the C-terminus end of the major immunodominant protein VP72 and the central variable region (CVR) of the 9RL open reading frame (ORF). Results confirmed the presence of two genetically distinct viruses circulating simultaneously within a single outbreak focus. However, despite the pigs being housed within the same facility, no evidence of co-infection was observed within individual animals. Comparison of the two 1998 virus variants with viruses causing historical outbreaks of the disease in Mozambique revealed that these viruses belong to two distinct genotypes which are unrelated to viruses causing outbreaks between 1960 and 1994. In addition, the CVR and p72 gene regions of one of the 1998 Mozambique virus variants (variant-40) was shown to be identical to the virus recovered from an ASF outbreak in Madagascar in the same year, whilst the other (variant-92) was identical to a 1988 pig isolate from Zambia.     

非洲猪瘟对我国养猪业的影响与防控建议

非洲猪瘟是由非洲猪瘟病毒引起的一种高度接触传染性、广泛出血性猪病毒病,死亡率可高达100%,无商品化疫苗可用于其预防。自8月初我国爆发首例非洲猪瘟疫情以来,截至11月5日,短短三个月时间里,已有14个省累计爆发58起疫情,扑杀生猪近50万头,直接经济损失数十亿元,给我国养猪业造成了巨大冲击。面对前所未有的非洲猪瘟疫情,我国政府的应对是果断有力的,但也面临种种挑战。本文对我国非洲猪瘟疫情形势及其对相关行业的影响进行了分析,总结了非洲猪瘟防控的重点和难点,并针对目前的形势,提出了遏制非洲猪瘟疫情进一步蔓延的建议和对策。     

Retrospective genetic analysis of SAT-1 type foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in West Africa (1975-1981)

The complete 1D genome region encoding the immunogenic and phylogenetically informative VP1 gene was genetically characterized for 23 South African Territories (SAT)-1 viruses causing foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease outbreaks in the West African region between 1975 and 1981. The results indicate that two independent outbreaks occurred, the first involved two West African countries, namely Niger and Nigeria, whilst the second affected Nigeria alone. In the former epizootic, virus circulation spanned a period of 2 years, whilst in the latter virus was recovered from the field over a 3 year period. Comparison of the West African viruses with SAT-1 viruses from other regions on the continent revealed that the two West African lineages identified in this study are regionally distinct. Furthermore, variation in VP1 gene length was identified in SAT-1 viruses for the first time, further emphasizing the uniqueness of these pathogens in West Africa. This first retrospective analysis in which the molecular epidemiology of SAT-1 viruses in West Africa is reported, provides a useful measure of the regional variation of these viruses and is an essential first step in the establishment of a West African sequence database that will be a useful reference for future outbreak eventualities.     

Comparative evaluation of novel African swine fever virus (ASF) antibody detection techniques derived from specific ASF viral genotypes with the OIE internationally prescribed serological tests

The presence of antibodies against African swine fever (ASF), a complex fatal notifiable OIE disease of swine, is always indicative of previous infection, since there is no vaccine that is currently used in the field. The early appearance and subsequent long-term persistence of antibodies combined with cost-effectiveness make antibody detection techniques essential in control programmes. Recent reports appear to indicate that the serological tests recommended by the OIE for ASF monitoring are much less effective in East and Southern Africa where viral genetic and antigenic diversity is the greatest. We report herein an extensive analysis including more than 1000 field and experimental infection sera, in which the OIE recommended tests are compared with antigen-specific ELISAs and immuno-peroxidase staining of cells (IPT). The antibody detection results generated using new antigen-specific tests, developed in this study, which are based on production of antigen fractions generated by infection and virus purification from COS-1 cells, showed strong concordance with the OIE tests. We therefore conclude that the lack of success is not attributable to antigenic polymorphism and may be related to the specific characteristics of the local breeds African pigs.     

Control measures to African swine fever outbreak: active response in South Korea,preparation for the future,and cooperation

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most complex infectious swine diseases and the greatest concern to the pig industry owing to its high mortality and no effective vaccines available to prevent the disease. Since the first outbreak of ASF in pig farms, ASF has been identified in 14 pig farms in four cities/counties in South Korea. The outbreak was resolved in a short period because of the immediate control measures and cooperative efforts. This paper reviews the ASF outbreak and the experience of successfully stopping ASF in pig farms in South Korea through active responses to prevent the spread of ASF. In addition, suitable changes to build a sustainable pig production system and collaborative efforts to overcome the dangerous animal disease, such as ASF, are discussed.     

Retrospective genetic characterisation of Encephalomyocarditis viruses from African elephant and swine recovers two distinct lineages in South Africa

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) outbreaks are rare in southern Africa. Only two have been reported to date from South Africa, both coinciding with rodent irruptions. The first outbreak manifested as acute myocarditis in pigs in 1979, whilst the second, occurring from 1993 to 1994, was linked to the deaths of 64 free-ranging adult African elephants (Loxodonta africana). The P1 genome region, inclusive of the flanking leader (L) and 2A genes, of three South African isolates, one from swine and two from elephants, was characterised by PCR amplification and sequencing of up to 11 overlapping fragments. In addition to the resulting 3329 nucleotide dataset, the 3D region that is widely used in molecular epidemiology studies, was characterised, and three datasets (P1, VP1/3 and 3D), complemented with available homologous EMCV data, were compiled for analyses. Phylogenetic inferences revealed the near-identical elephant outbreak strains to be most closely related to a mengovirus from rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda, differing from the latter by between 11% (3D) and 15% (VP3/1). The South African pig isolate differed by 4% (3D) and 11% (VP3/1) from available European and Asian pig virus sequences. This study confirms the presence of two genetically distinct EMCV lineages recovered from sporadic outbreaks in wild and domestic hosts in southern Africa, and provides valuable baseline data for future outbreak eventualities in the sub-region.     

Contribution of market value chain to the control of African swine fever in Zambia

Tropical Animal Health and Production - African swine fever (ASF) is a worldwide disease of pigs endemic in most sub-Saharan African countries. Zambia has been experiencing outbreaks of ASF for...     

African swine fever outbreak on a medium-sized farm in Uganda: biosecurity breaches and within-farm virus contamination

In Uganda, a low-income country in east Africa, African swine fever (ASF) is endemic with yearly outbreaks. In the prevailing smallholder subsistence farming systems, farm biosecurity is largely non-existent. Outbreaks of ASF, particularly in smallholder farms, often go unreported, creating significant epidemiological knowledge gaps. The continuous circulation of ASF in smallholder settings also creates biosecurity challenges for larger farms. In this study, an on-going outbreak of ASF in an endemic area was investigated on farm level, including analyses of on-farm environmental virus contamination. The study was carried out on a medium-sized pig farm with 35 adult pigs and 103 piglets or growers at the onset of the outbreak. Within 3 months, all pigs had died or were slaughtered. The study included interviews with farm representatives as well as biological and environmental sampling. ASF was confirmed by the presence of ASF virus (ASFV) genomic material in biological (blood, serum) and environmental (soil, water, feed, manure) samples by real-time PCR. The ASFV-positive biological samples confirmed the clinical assessment and were consistent with known virus characteristics. Most environmental samples were found to be positive. Assessment of farm biosecurity, interviews, and the results from the biological and environmental samples revealed that breaches and non-compliance with biosecurity protocols most likely led to the introduction and within-farm spread of the virus. The information derived from this study provides valuable insight regarding the implementation of biosecurity measures, particularly in endemic areas.     

African swine fever among slaughter pigs in Mubende district, Uganda

Owing to frequent reports of suspected outbreaks and the presence of reservoir hosts and vectors (warthogs, bushpigs and O. moubata ticks), African swine fever (ASF) is believed to be an endemic disease in Uganda. There have, however, been very few studies carried out to confirm its existence in Uganda. This study was carried out to describe the prevalence of ASF based on pathologic lesions and analysis of serum samples from slaughtered pigs during a suspected outbreak in the Mubende district of Uganda. The study was based on visits to 22 slaughterhouses where individual pigs were randomly selected for a detailed ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections. Sera were also collected for laboratory analysis. A total of 997 pigs (53.7% male and 46.3% female) were examined for lesions suggestive of ASF and sero-positivity of sera for ASF antibodies. The sera were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and positive samples were further confirmed with an immunoblot assay. The results showed that 3.8% (38/997) of the pigs examined had clinical signs and post-mortem lesions suggestive of ASF. Two of 997 (0.2%) sera analysed were positive for ASF antibodies. Of the sub-counties investigated, Bagezza (12%) and Kiyuni (11%) had the highest prevalence of lesions suggestive of ASF based on ante- and post-mortem examination results, while Mubende town council (1.7%) had the lowest. This study found a low number of pigs (3.8%) with lesions suggestive of ASF at slaughter and an even lower number of pigs (0.2%) that were seropositive at slaughter, however a significantly higher number of pigs were slaughtered during the outbreak as a strategy for farmers to avoid losses associated with mortality.     

Identification of African swine fever virus genomic DNAs in wild boar habitats within outbreak regions in South Korea

An African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in wild boars was first reported on October 2, 2019, in South Korea. Since then, additional cases were reported in South Korea''s border areas. We here report the identification of ASF virus (ASFV) DNAs from two out of eight environmental abiotic matter samples collected from areas where ASF-positive wild boar carcasses were found. Comparative genomic investigations suggested that the contaminating ASFV DNAs originated from the wild boar whose carcass had been found near the positive sample sites. This is the first report on the identification of ASF viral material in wild boar habitats.     

Genetic characterisation of African swine fever viruses from outbreaks in southern Africa (1973-1999)

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal and economically significant disease of domestic pigs in the southern African sub-region, where outbreaks regularly occur. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that trans-boundary movement of infected animals may have played a role in precipitating widespread outbreaks in the past, however, since the 1970s outbreaks have generally been more localised, particularly in those countries where control of animal movement is strictly regulated. The origin and relatedness of regional ASF outbreaks was investigated here by means of a two-step genetic characterisation approach whereby p72 gene sequencing was used to delineate genotypes, prior to intra-genotypic resolution of viral relationships by central variable region (CVR) characterisation of the 9RL ORF. In this manner, regional virus heterogeneity and epidemiological links between outbreaks could be assessed for the first time through phylogenetic analysis of the C-terminal end of the p72 gene of viruses recovered from domestic pig outbreaks in southern Africa between 1973 and 1999. The phylogeny revealed the presence of 14 distinct p72 genotypes of which 6 (genotypes XVII-XXII) were considered novel. Eight of these were country-specific with the remaining six having a trans-boundary distribution. CVR products were heterogeneous in size ranging from 377bp to 533bp across the 14 southern African genotypes. Within-genotype CVR comparisons revealed the presence of a genotype XIX virus with an extended field presence in South Africa (1985-1996) and permitted discrimination between three genotype VII viruses that were identical across the p72 gene.     

非洲猪瘟背景下生猪产业链价格波动及传导研究——以河北省为例

非洲猪瘟疫情的暴发对我国生猪产业,尤其是生猪产业链价格产生巨大影响。为研究非洲猪瘟背景下河北省生猪产业链价格波动及传导机制,文章选取河北省2018年8月至2020年6月周度平均仔猪价格、生猪价格和猪肉价格作为生猪产业链价格代表,通过构建协整和误差修正模型、格兰杰因果检验方法分析非洲猪瘟对生猪产业链内部价格传导过程的影响。研究结果表明：非洲猪瘟背景下河北省生猪产业链价格存在长期均衡关系,但其上下游价格传导受阻,而屠宰场和销售市场的垂直整合度增强;生猪产业链中存在一定的反向误差修正机制;生猪产业链上、中游对下游价格的影响更为明显,并据此提出非洲猪瘟背景下河北省调控生猪产业链价格的政策建议。     

Surveillance of ASF-infected pig farms from September to October 2019 in South Korea

Fourteen African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks occurred in the pig farms in the northwestern region of South Korea, near the border with North Korea, from September 16, 2019 to October 9, 2019. Active and passive surveillance on the ASF-infected farms indicated that the infection was limited only to pigsties where the infected pigs were detected on the farm for the first time before further transmission to other pigsties and farms. This early detection could be one of the pivotal factors for the prompt eradication of ASF in domestic pig farms within 1 month in the northwestern region of South Korea.     

Re-emergence of foot-and-mouth disease in Botswana

The re-emergence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Botswana is reported. The disease outbreak occurred in the Matsiloje Extension Area of Francistown veterinary district situated in the northeastern part of the country in an Office International des épízooties (OIE) recognized FMD free zone without vaccination. The disease affected cattle only and did not spillover into sheep and goats resident in the same extension area, as demonstrated by lack of seroconversion to FMD when tested. The virus isolate associated with the outbreak was identified as FMD virus; Southern African Territories (SAT) type SAT-2. The disease outbreak is discussed in relation to FMD outbreaks that have occurred previously within and outside Botswana.     

Global situation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)--a short review

This article reviews the actual world FMD situation. In 2000, fifty nine countries officially reported outbreaks of FMD. The disease occurred in Europe (Greece), Asia (Russia, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, in Caucasian region--Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia as well as in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan), Africa (Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and in South America (Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela). In 2001, FMD was still spreading throughout the endemic regions and appeared in some of the west European countries--Great Britain, The Netherlands, France and Ireland. In South America, FMD occurred in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia. In Asia the FMD spread in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iran, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Taiwan. The FMD situation in Africa was unclear, but probably most countries in West, East and South Africa were affected. The most recent data of the OIE from May 2002 confirmed FMD outbreaks in population of pigs in Republic of Korea.     

饲料营养免疫对非洲猪瘟防控的作用

非洲猪瘟疫情的暴发对我国养猪产业造成了严重影响。尽管农业部门、科研专家和养猪工作者通过提高生物安全手段防控非洲猪瘟,对恢复我国生猪养殖数量和猪肉自给能力取得了相应效果,但随之而来的是猪群应激增加、饲料营养的有效性降低和猪群抗病力降低等问题。文章结合非洲猪瘟病毒特点和防控现状等,从饲料营养免疫的视角,分析如何减少猪群应激和提升猪群免疫力,以期为非洲猪瘟的综合防控提供思路。     

非洲猪瘟病原学及单克隆抗体制备技术研究进展

非洲猪瘟是由非洲猪瘟病毒引起猪的高度接触性、传染性、出血性以及高死亡率的传染病。20世纪中期以来,已在非洲、欧洲和美洲等数十个国家流行,并在近几年内蔓延至欧亚两洲接壤处的格鲁吉亚、亚美尼亚、阿塞拜疆以及俄罗斯境内,其一旦侵入我国,将会给我国养猪业带来极大的危害。非洲猪瘟病原学研究以及制备相应的单克隆抗体对非洲猪瘟病毒快速诊断技术研究和疫苗研制有着重大的现实意义。主要从病原学和单克隆抗体制备方面对非洲猪瘟的研究进展进行了综述。     

非洲猪瘟研究进展及防控措施

非洲猪瘟(African swine fever,ASF)是由非洲猪瘟病毒科、非洲猪瘟病毒属的唯一成员非洲猪瘟病毒(African swine fever virus,ASFV)引起的一种高致死率、高抵抗力、严格接触性的病毒性疾病,对所有年龄段的家猪和野猪均具有感染性。我国非洲猪瘟传入疫情的出现,对养猪生产构成严重威胁,必将冲击生猪产业的健康稳定发展。本文介绍ASF的病原、流行病学特点,并总结防控措施,以期为ASF的进一步防控提供参考。     

非洲猪瘟病毒传播方式及控制措施

非洲猪瘟(African swine fever,ASF)是由非洲猪瘟病毒(African swine fever virus,ASFV)引起的一种急性、热性、高度传染性疫病,感染猪以发热和全身性出血为主要特征,病程短、病死率高。非洲猪瘟主要流行于非洲国家,随后相继传入西欧、南美洲、东欧,以及亚洲国家,对全球养猪业、食品安全和猪及其产品国际贸易产生了严重危害和深远影响。现结合参考文献和我国非洲猪瘟发生、控制情况,分析了非洲猪瘟病毒传播动力学、传播方式,提出防控非洲猪瘟的主要措施。     

Evaluation of different adjuvants for foot-and-mouth disease vaccine containing all the SAT serotypes

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an economically important disease of cloven-hoofed animals that is primarily controlled by vaccination of susceptible animals and movement restrictions for animals and animal-derived products in South Africa. Vaccination using aluminium hydroxide gel-saponin (AS) adjuvanted vaccines containing the South African Territories (SAT) serotypes has been shown to be effective both in ensuring that disease does not spread from the endemic to the free zone and in controlling outbreaks in the free zone. Various vaccine formulations containing antigens derived from the SAT serotypes were tested in cattle that were challenged 1 year later. Both the AS and ISA 206B vaccines adjuvanted with saponin protected cattle against virulent virus challenge. The oil-based ISA 206B-adjuvanted vaccine with and without stimulators was evaluated in a field trial and both elicited antibody responses that lasted for 1 year. Furthermore, the ISA 206 adjuvanted FMD vaccine protected groups of cattle against homologous virus challenge at very low payloads, while pigs vaccinated with an emergency ISA 206B-based FMD vaccine containing the SAT 1 vaccine strains were protected against the heterologous SAT 1 outbreak strain.