With reference to African Swine Fever, consider the following statemen...
Both statements are not correct: African swine fever is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting both domestic and feral swine of all ages. ASF is not a threat to human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans. It is not a food safety issue.
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With reference to African Swine Fever, consider the following statemen...
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boars. It is caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), which belongs to the Asfarviridae family. Let's analyze the given statements to determine their accuracy:
1. It only affects domestic pigs of all ages.
This statement is incorrect. While ASF primarily affects domestic pigs, it can also infect wild boars and other suids. The virus can spread rapidly within pig populations, causing significant economic losses for farmers and impacting the pork industry. ASF has been reported in various countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and even in some parts of North America. It can affect pigs of all ages, from piglets to adult pigs.
2. It is zoonotic in nature.
This statement is also incorrect. ASF is not considered a zoonotic disease, which means it does not typically transmit from animals to humans. The primary mode of transmission is through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. However, humans can indirectly contribute to the spread of the virus by carrying and transmitting it on contaminated items such as clothing, footwear, or equipment. It is important to note that while ASF does not pose a direct risk to human health, it can have severe implications for food security and the economy.
In conclusion, neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct. African Swine Fever can affect both domestic pigs and wild boars, and it is not zoonotic, meaning it does not infect humans. It is crucial to implement strict biosecurity measures and collaborate internationally to prevent and control the spread of ASF to protect pig populations and the pork industry.