African swine fever-The Hindu-02-08-2022

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CONTEXT :

Barely a week after about 500 pigs were culled in Kerala’s Wayanad district to prevent the spread of African swine fever was detected there, new cases of the disease have been reported from there and in Kannur.

IN DETAIL :

African swine fever is an important viral disease of pigs that has become a serious threat to worldwide pork production since 2007. African swine fever virus (ASFV) usually circulates in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is thought to have originated in wild warthogs but has become a common virus in domesticated pigs.

SYMPTOMS :

High fever, huddling, constipation followed by diarrhea and reddened eyes are often seen. The skin may show hemorrhages with discoloration of the ears, abdomen or inner thighs.

TREATMENT :

There is no treatment or vaccine available for this disease.