African swine fever disease status in india

African Swine Fever (ASF), caused by the African swine fever virus, is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease of domestic and wild pigs with serious socio-economic implications. First described in Kenya in 1910, ASF has emerged as a major global transboundary animal disease. In India, the disease was first reported in 2020 and has since remained a significant threat, particularly in the northeastern states. The virus primarily infects domestic pigs and wild boars and spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated materials, pork products, and, in certain regions, soft ticks. Clinically, ASF is characterized by high fever, hemorrhages, respiratory distress, and high mortality, especially with highly virulent genotype II strains circulating in India. Pathogenesis involves replication in monocytes and macrophages, leading to severe immune dysregulation, vascular damage, and multiorgan failure. Recurrent outbreaks have resulted in substantial pig mortality, large-scale culling, and economic losses affecting smallholder farmers. In the absence of a widely available commercial vaccine, control measures rely on strict biosecurity, movement restrictions, surveillance, and stamping-out policies. Strengthened molecular epidemiology, enhanced biosecurity practices, and sustained policy support are essential for long-term management and containment of ASF in India.