September 11, 2023

African swine fever confirmed in Mongolia after four years

After a more than four-year absence, African swine fever (ASF) was detected in Mongolia, with outbreaks confirmed by the World Organisation for Animal Health at two domestic swine farms, affecting over 350 animals, National Hog Farmer reported.

The first case was identified in Bayan-Ondor, Orhon, on July 29. Swift action followed as 135 animals were culled and safely disposed of when authorities discovered 39 cases of ASF at the affected farm.

The second case, reported on August 8, emerged from a farm in Orkhon, Bulgan. This outbreak proved equally devastating, affecting 216 animals after officials uncovered 27 cases.

The previous outbreak in Mongolia was reported on March 27, 2019. The re-emergence of ASF in the region has raised concerns about the disease's continued impact on the swine industry.

Recent research from China has unveiled three naturally occurring recombinant strains of ASFV (African Swine Fever Virus) in swine. The University of Minnesota, in conjunction with the Swine Health Information Centre, published their findings in the July Global Disease Monitoring Report. These strains result from the fusion of genetic material from two distinct types of ASFV, specifically genotype I and genotype II.

Though the recombinant viruses were discovered in pigs from Jiangsu province, Henan province, and Inner Mongolia, scientists posit that their shared genetic structures indicate a common origin rather than independent emergence in each province. Unfortunately, the exact province of origin for these virus strains remains unknown.

-      National Hog Farmer