Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

How is African swine fever primarily transmitted?

1. Direct contact

2. Indirectly via fomites

3. Through vectors

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

African swine fever (ASF) has multiple transmission routes, which is essential to understand for effective disease control and prevention strategies. Direct contact occurs when healthy pigs come into contact with infected pigs, allowing the virus to spread through bodily fluids and tissues. This is a significant route of transmission, particularly in settings where pigs are raised in close proximity to one another. Indirect transmission via fomites also plays a crucial role. Fomites are inanimate objects or materials that can carry pathogens, such as feed, clothing, equipment, or vehicles that have been in contact with infected animals or their secretions. This can lead to the introduction of the virus into new environments, making biosecurity measures critical in preventing outbreaks. While vectors, such as soft ticks in the Ornithodoros species, can facilitate the transmission of ASF, the virus does not rely primarily on them for its spread. Nonetheless, these conditions can contribute to the overall risk of transmission. Given that African swine fever utilizes various pathways—direct contact, indirect transmission through fomites, and, to a lesser extent, vectors—the answer effectively encompasses the complexity of the disease's transmission dynamics. Understanding this multifaceted approach helps in developing comprehensive strategies for controlling and preventing outbreaks in swine populations.