Prevention and Control of ASF
No vaccine is available for the effective control of the ASF virus
(Sanchez-Vizcaıno et al., 2015). Once the disease is established in an
area, it is extremely difficult to eradicate since ASFV can survive in
meat and meat products, feeds, and various reservoirs including wild
boars and ticks (Wardley et al., 1983). Stamping out and killing a large
number of pigs to control the spread is another measure that has been
successful to an extent but faces challenges due to ethical and
environmental reasons along with the finances involved in it (Mary
Louise Penrith, 2009). Prevention remains the most effective method with
the major focus on biosecurity. Limiting the access of people and
vehicles into the farm, the use of separate clothing and boots inside
the farm, and the use of disinfectants and footbaths can reduce the
transmission of the virus (M. L. Penrith & Vosloo, 2009). The movement
of pigs from the infected areas should be restricted. Contact between
the wild boars and domesticated pigs should be prevented. Contaminated
garbage from international airports and docks that are an important
source of the virus should be incinerated instead of feeding to the pigs
(Sánchez‐Vizcaíno et al., 2019). Awareness among all the involved
parties, effective communication among them, user-friendly practical
courses on biosecurity linked with incentives such as compensation and
insurance fees can be effective measure in the prevention (Gortázar et
al., 2015). Contingency plans should be designed and made ready to
implement when necessary considering the geographical location, economy,
various epidemiological situation and the status of ASF in the
neighboring countries (Sánchez‐Vizcaíno et al., 2019).