Sequence analysis of the CVR of B602L
Sequence analysis of the CVR of the B602L gene recovered six ASFV variants with distinct TRS named as: Tet-15, Tet-20a, Tet-21, Tet-27b, Tet-31 and Tet-34 (Table 2). ASF variants Tet-15, Tet-20a, Tet-27 had been previously reported in Nigeria (Table 2). While, Tet-21b, Tet-31, and Tet-34 were the new variants that are being reported for the first time in Nigeria and West Africa in this study. The Nigerian Isolates KASIT_2, recovered from a live pig market in Katsit, Kaduna State is similar to Cameroonian ASFV (AF513045) (Table 2). Plateau State had the highest number (3) of co-circulating ASFV TRS variants (Tet-15, Tet-27, Tet-34) followed by Benue State with two (Tet-15 and Tet-27). Interestingly, Tet-34 that was circulating in pig farms between April and November 2018 in Plateau State was also recovered in Zing, Taraba State in September 2018 possibly introduced from Plateau State via movement of live pigs. ASFV TRS variant Tet-31 recovered from Enugu State has not been previously reported in Nigeria, but the source of infection is unknown due to limited epidemiological information. Tet-15 was the only ASFV genotype I variant recovered in two separate years of this study, it was circulating in two States (Plateau and Benue). Tet-21b recovered from Imo State was reported to have been introduced from Cameroon, but it was different from ASF variants reported in Cameroon. Tet-15 and Tet-27 variants were recovered in Benue and Plateau States, while Tet-34 was were circulating in two States each within the study period and restricted to the North Central geographical region. While Tet-21b and Tet-31 were restricted to southeast geographical region of Nigeria.