African swine fever (ASF) is characterized by high mortality rates, particularly in domestic pigs, rather than high morbidity and low mortality. The disease can lead to death in a significant percentage of affected animals, often approaching 100% in severe cases. As a result, ASF has a devastating impact on the swine population and can lead to substantial economic losses within the industry.
The primary impact of ASF is not just the increased number of days to market but rather the complete loss of entire herds due to the lack of effective vaccines or treatments. When a herd is infected, producers may need to cull animals to control the spread of the virus, which drastically reduces production and creates food supply chain disruptions.
Overall, understanding the clinical implications of ASF, including its high mortality rate, is crucial for evaluating its impact on swine production and the agricultural economy.