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

Where do researchers believe the source of the African swine fever virus introduced into Georgia in 2007 originated from?

1. Sardinia

2. Eastern or Southern Africa

3. Senegal

4. Ukraine

The correct answer is: Eastern or Southern Africa

The prevailing theory regarding the introduction of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) into Georgia in 2007 points to Eastern or Southern Africa as the most likely source. This belief is based on the historical patterns of the virus, which is endemic to certain regions of Africa. ASFV has been present in domestic and wild pig populations in these areas, providing an ecological context where the virus can circulate among pig populations and potentially jump to new regions through the trade of animals or swine products. Moreover, the 2007 outbreak was significant because it marked the first detection of the virus in Europe since the disease was eradicated in that region in the mid-20th century. Extensive genetic analysis of the virus strain linked it back to the type found in African regions, supporting the hypothesis of an African origin as the source of the outbreak. This situation illustrates the challenge of monitoring and controlling transboundary animal diseases that can rapidly spread across borders due to trade, wildlife movements, or other factors. In contrast, Sardinia, Senegal, and Ukraine, while they are all geographical regions associated with swine and veterinary epidemiology, do not have the same level of direct historical association with the specific strain introduced into Georgia. Understanding these connections helps to inform biosecurity