African swine fever

Abstract

In this article we discuss African Swine Fever (ASF), a disease that only tackles swine with great importance for world pig farming. Infection occurs through ticks as intermediate vectors or by direct contact via upper respiratory tract. Transmission of the virus can happen between vectors in a transstadial, transovarian and sexual form. Clinical manifestations vary according to viral origin, resulting from super acute to chronic conditions. The super acute and acute conditions of the disease are responsible for the variations of greater pathogenicity and virulence, while the subacute and chronic conditions vary from low to moderate and only low, respectively. The techniques commonly used to identify the virus are divided into two groups: direct methods, performed from the identification of the virus, such as: direct immunofluorescence, hemadsorption test and PCR; and indirect methods, performed from serology, being: indirect immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase staining and Elisa test. Because it is a disease for which there is no effective treatment or vaccine for, it is essential to apply methods of prevention and control of the dissemination of ASF, as well as the adoption and application of biosafety programs in farms, airports and ports, in addition to the slaughter of infected herds.