The ongoing expansion of recombinant African Swine Fever (ASF) Genotype I/II strains is causing significant concern across the global pork industry. Recent detections in Asia and the Russian Far East have raised red flags about the effectiveness of current ASF vaccination strategies, which are predominantly designed to combat Genotype II strains.
Dr. Lisa Becton, Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Center, emphasized the risks posed by this evolving strain during a recent interview:
“This is one of the first times this virus combination has been observed not only in China and other Asian countries like Vietnam but now in Russia, signaling its expansion. This raises critical questions about prevention, mitigation strategies, and the future effectiveness of current vaccines,” said Dr. Becton.
Vaccine Efficacy in Question
Existing live-attenuated vaccines, such as those used in Vietnam and the Philippines, target Genotype II strains. However, preliminary evidence indicates these vaccines may not provide adequate protection against recombinant Genotype I/II strains. Pigs infected with the new strain have shown different responses to these vaccines, which could undermine ASF control efforts.
Implications for the U.S. Pork Industry
The emergence of this recombinant strain represents a significant biosecurity threat for the U.S. pork industry. ASF has not yet reached the U.S., but the global circulation of new genotypes increases the risk of introduction. The implications include:
- Biosecurity Challenges: Enhanced biosecurity measures will be required to prevent entry of ASF into U.S. herds.
- Vaccine Development: A need for more robust and adaptable vaccine technologies that address multiple genotypes.
- Global Trade Impacts: Potential disruptions in international trade as ASF continues to spread in key pork-producing regions.
A Call to Action
Dr. Becton stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and vaccine adaptation to address this evolving threat.
“Over time, other groups involved in vaccine development will need to closely track these changes and adjust their strategies accordingly,” she said.
The Swine Health Information Center and other industry leaders are calling for increased global collaboration to understand and combat the threat posed by recombinant ASF strains.
As the situation evolves, vigilance and proactive measures will be critical in safeguarding the health and productivity of U.S. swine herds.
For the latest updates on African Swine Fever and biosecurity strategies, visit Swine Web.
