Conclusion
Nepal has not reported any cases of ASF yet. However, ASFV is
circulating in China for few years now and has recently been reported in
various states of India. Occurrence of ASF in two neighboring countries
with whom Nepal does import and export of animals, feeds, and animal
products raises concern over the potential of cross-country transmission
of ASFV. Moreover, the risk is compounded as Nepal shares open border
with India and illegal trades of animal and animal products through the
open border is possible. In these circumstances, Nepal government needs
to be more vigilant to prevent the entry of ASF in Nepal. Strict
quarantine measures should be employed in the borders and illegal trades
of animals and animal products must be controlled. In addition,
preparedness is necessary for early detection of ASFV and management of
ASF through epidemiological tracing and tracking; culling of infected
animals; disinfection of contaminated farms; and financial support to
the farmers to avoid tremendous socioeconomic losses which may
jeopardize the slowly but steadily growing pig industry in Nepal.