African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs. It is a notifiable disease and its outbreak should be immediately reported to the higher authorities. ASF causes destructive effect on piggery due to high morbidity and mortality (up to 90-100 %). In India it was first confirmed in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in February-March 2020. Clinical signs of African swine fever African swine fever (ASF) is a viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar with up to 100% case fatality rate. Peracute disease Lethargy and loss of appetite High fever (106-108o F) Sudden death of pigs in 1-3 days Acute disease High fever (106-108o F), lethargy and loss of appetite Increased respiration rate Blue-purple discoloration of skin of ears, abdomen and rear legs Discharge from the eyes and nose; bloody froth from the nose/mouth Constipation or bloody diarrhea Abortion Death of pigs in 6-15 days Transmission of ASF Prevention measures Keep distance - The pigs should be kept in enclosures. Only those who take care of the pigs of the farm should be allowed to go close to the animals. Unnecessary people should be restricted from entering the sty. Inter-mingling of other animals with pig should be avoided. Foot-dip (potassium permanganate solution) at the main entrance of the farm and at entrance/exit of each pig shed Keep cleanliness - Cleanliness inside the pen and around the farm is a must. This prevents germs and bacteria from multiplying. The pen should be cleaned and food and water for pig changed daily. The farms/ sty should be dis-infected regularly. The entire farm premises including appliances, feeders, waterers, pens, etc., need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at fortnightly intervals. Disinfection of vehicle tyres and shoes with 2% sodium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate solution Don't let the disease enter the farm - Clean own self and everything else that has been near other animals in the market or other farms. The new pigs should be kept away from healthy stock for at least 30 days. Dis-infect and wash shoes, clothes and hand before & after contact with pigs to prevent spread of disease. Don't borrow the disease - If equipment, tools or pig supplies are borrowed from other farms, always clean and disinfect them before bringing them in contact with healthy animals and their habitats. Know the signs - A check must be kept on pigs. An increase in deaths should be noticed with very high fever (41-42 °C), sudden death within 1-3 days, reddening of skin of ear tip, tail and ventral aspects of chest and abdomen should be immediately reported to the nearest Veterinarian. Report sick animal - Every unusual sickness or death of pigs should be immediately reported to the nearest Veterinary Centre. Do not sell sick pigs to traders/butchers Burial/burning of the carcasses of dead pigs in the infected premises itself Do not feed kitchen/hotel waste to pigs and if you feed, boil properly Separate healthy pigs from potentially infected pigs and contaminated waste, bedding, etc. Keep the newly purchased pigs in quarantine for 30-45 days Inter-sectional movements of farm personnel should be restricted. While leaving the farm premises, farm personnel should clean themselves thoroughly with disinfectants and change their clothing and shoes. Prevention in Backyard pig farming Complete ban on movement of live/dead pigs and meat products in and out of infected villages Prohibition of exchange of pigs for breeding Humane slaughter of all pigs within a radius of 1 km in case of ASF outbreak During outbreak, leave the farm empty for 40 days after slaughtering of pigs and disinfecting the farm Advice on how to decontaminate the sty/pen The following advice should be followed in respect of decontamination of the sty/pen: After the culling of the pigs, the area must be cleaned. Take all protective measures outlined in the Action Plan before starting the cleaning process. Collect any faeces scattered around the yard into a pile to be buried. The faeces should be buried at a depth of at least 1 metre. Clean all areas very well with detergent and water. Discard all disposable items used to protect the person such as gloves, plastic bags, masks, etc. Place reusable items into a bowl with detergent and water for washing. Wash hands very well with soap and water. Shower/wash body using soap and water and wash hair. Take utmost care not to contaminate the body. If not discarded wash clothes worn during the cull/clean up; use detergent and hot or warm water. Dry clothes in the sun. Any item that may be used again such as rubber gloves or boots should be washed very well with disinfectants/soap/detergent and water. To ensure the items are clean, wash twice. Always wash hands after handling contaminated items. India has its first indigenous African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine, the MA-104 cell-based live attenuated ASF vaccine. It has been developed by ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal. Source : ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122 (U.P.)