As this virus can result in high mortality and economic losses, we must understand its cause and symptoms.
Wild boar can act as a reservoir for ASF and their populations have increased within Canada, particularly within the Prairie provinces.
African swine fever (ASF) is caused by a large DNA virus in the family Asfarviridae that only affects members of the pig family. The disease cannot be transmitted to humans.
The virus has 24 different genotypes, which are variations in genetic makeup. Of these, 24 are found in Asian and European countries. North America has not had any cases of ASF.
Industry stakeholders can monitor genotypes to better track the virus and determine where cases may have originated. The severity of disease and symptoms seen can vary depending on the genotype present.
In the current European and Asian outbreaks, transmission is predominantly caused by directd contact between healthy and sick animals. Usually, infection occurs through contact with the nose and mouth as oral and nasal fluids can contain a high concentration of the virus.
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