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

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk for the introduction or spread of African swine fever?

1. Garbage feeding

2. Feral swine

3. Trucks moving between farms

4. Mosquitoes

The correct answer is: Mosquitoes

The introduction and spread of African swine fever (ASF) can be influenced by various factors, and understanding these risks is critical for managing the disease. Among the choices provided, mosquitoes are not considered a significant risk for the transmission of ASF. African swine fever is primarily transmitted through direct contact between infected and susceptible pigs, or indirectly through contaminated materials and environments. The mechanisms of transmission are closely tied to pig contact and contamination. Garbage feeding poses a risk because domestic pigs can become infected by consuming contaminated food waste, which may contain the ASF virus. Feral swine represent another risk as they can carry the virus and interact with domestic pig populations, facilitating the disease's spread. Additionally, trucks moving between farms can become vectors of the virus if proper biosecurity measures are not observed, as they can transport contaminated materials, equipment, or infected animals. In contrast, while mosquitoes can transmit various diseases in livestock, they are not recognized as vectors for the ASF virus. The main transmission routes for ASF are through direct pig-to-pig contact or through infected materials rather than insect vectors. This distinction highlights why mosquitoes are not considered a significant risk factor for the introduction or spread of African swine fever.