Daily Current Affairs : 24-August-2023
African Swine Fever (ASF) is causing a global stir as it continues its relentless spread, affecting 49 countries since 2021. This alarming trend highlights the need for comprehensive biosecurity measures, early reporting, and a robust response system to combat this highly contagious viral disease. ASF poses a significant threat to both domestic and wild pig populations, with devastating consequences for the farming economy. This essay explores the nature of ASF, its global spread, and its impact on India.
Understanding African Swine Fever (ASF)
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the ASF virus, belonging to the Asfarviridae family. This disease primarily targets domestic and wild pigs, often resulting in a mortality rate of up to 100%. Originally discovered in sub-Saharan Africa, ASF is notorious for its resilience in the environment. It can survive on various surfaces, including clothes, boots, vehicles, and even pork products like ham and sausages. This resilience means human activities can inadvertently contribute to its cross-border spread if proper precautions are not taken.
Modes of Transmission
ASF spreads through several modes of transmission:
- Direct Contact: Infected animals can transmit ASF to healthy ones through close contact.
- Indirect Contact: Ingesting products from infected animals or contact with contaminated materials like clothing, vehicles, or equipment can also lead to transmission.
- Tick Bites: In areas where infectious soft ticks are present, bites from these ticks can transmit the virus.
Symptoms and Impact
Typical signs of ASF include fever, abortions, bleeding, and sudden death among pigs. While ASF doesn’t pose a direct threat to human health, its effects on pig populations and the farming economy are devastating. Currently, there is no effective vaccine available to combat ASF, making prevention and containment crucial.
Global Spread of ASF
ASF has spread to 49 countries across five different regions: Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Notably, nine countries reported ASF for the first time during this period, while ten others reported its spread to new zones. This widespread presence underscores the global threat posed by ASF and emphasizes the urgency of implementing comprehensive measures to curb its expansion.
ASF in India
India managed to evade ASF for a century until its first reported case in 2020. Initially appearing in Assam, the disease rapidly spread to other north-eastern states, including Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Subsequently, it made its way to Bihar, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. India is still grappling with ASF, with recent cases reported in May and June 2023 in Meghalaya and Mizoram.
Important Points:
African Swine Fever (ASF): A Global Threat
- ASF has spread to 49 countries since 2021.
- It has resulted in approximately 1.5 million animal losses since 2021.
- ASF affects domestic and wild pigs, with a mortality rate of up to 100%.
- The virus is highly contagious and belongs to the Asfarviridae family.
- It is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and is highly resistant in the environment.
- ASF can survive on various surfaces, including clothing, vehicles, and pork products.
- It spreads through direct contact, indirect contact, and tick bites.
- Typical symptoms include fever, abortions, bleeding, and sudden death in pigs.
- It is not a threat to human health but has severe economic impacts.
- There is currently no effective vaccine against ASF.
Global Spread and Impact
- ASF has spread to five different world regions: Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
- Nine countries reported ASF for the first time, and ten reported its spread to new zones.
- The global spread underscores the urgency of implementing biosecurity measures.
- Biosecurity measures include early reporting, response systems, and disease awareness.
- ASF poses a significant threat to pig populations and the farming economy.
ASF in India
- India reported its first ASF case in 2020, after a century without the virus.
- It initially appeared in Assam and quickly spread to other north-eastern states.
- Subsequently, it reached multiple states across India, including Bihar, Kerala, Punjab, and more.
- Recent cases were reported in May and June 2023 in Meghalaya and Mizoram.
- The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recommends vigilance and adherence to international standards.
Why In News
African Swine Fever (ASF) has relentlessly spread to 49 countries since 2021, according to a new report, illustrating the alarming global reach of this devastating disease. The swift and widespread transmission of ASF underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to contain its impact on the global swine industry.
MCQs about Crisis of African Swine Fever
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What is the primary mode of transmission for African Swine Fever (ASF)?
A. Airborne particles
B. Ingestion of contaminated food
C. Mosquito bites
D. Person-to-person contact
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How does ASF impact human health?
A. It causes severe respiratory infections in humans.
B. It is not a danger to human health.
C. It leads to skin rashes and allergies.
D. It can result in food poisoning if infected pork products are consumed.
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Which organization recommended vigilance and adherence to international standards to combat ASF in India?
A. WHO (World Health Organization)
B. UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)
C. WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health)
D. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
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What are the key regions where ASF has spread globally since 2021?
A. North America, South America, Europe, Asia
B. Asia, Africa, Australia, Antarctica
C. Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, Oceania
D. Europe, Africa, South America, North America
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