Prevalence of classical swine fever, African swine fever, and Japanese encephalitis: a multi-disease study in Indian pigs

The health of swine populations is increasingly threatened by diseases such as classical swine fever (CSF), African swine fever (ASF), and Japanese encephalitis (JE), which causeeconomic losses. This study investigated the seroprevalence and distribution of these pathogens across 13 districts in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, India. A total of 345 serum samples and 275 whole blood samples were collected for various diagnostic testing. Samples were analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), virus neutralization test (VNT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), with CSF showing the highest seroprevalence in Chhattisgarh (76.63%), while ASF waslowest (7.21%). In Madhya Pradesh, the CSF seroprevalence was 33.33%, with no ASF detected. JE positivity was 12.37% in Chhattisgarh and 44.44% in Madhya Pradesh. RT-PCR of 275 whole blood samples from Telangana revealed 11.27% positivity for CSF and 9.45% for JE, with no ASF cases. In Chhattisgarh, 7.20% of the samples showed concurrent antibody positivity for both CSF and ASF. Additionally, 2.06% were positive for CSF, ASF, and JE, indicating concurrent exposure to multiple pathogens. Age-wise analysis showed the highest CSF positivity among older pigs in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, with higher rates observed in pigs >2 years. These findings emphasize the necessity of antigen and antibody testing for effective swine disease surveillance, revealing concurrent exposure to multiple pathogens. A combined approach using serological and molecular diagnostics strengthens surveillance, supports multi-disease control strategies, and is vital for limiting disease spread and maintaining swine health.