article · Journal of Veterinary Medicine
African swine fever is a highly contagious viral infection capable of causing up to complete mortality in domestic pigs. An investigation covering 2001 to 2012 examined outbreak patterns across Uganda using monthly reports and questionnaires from district veterinary officers. During this period, 388 outbreaks occurred across 59 districts, with over half recorded in districts bordering national parks and around a fifth near international borders. Outbreak frequency varied temporally and geographically, though the north-eastern region recorded no cases. Considered the second most critical pig disease in the country, outbreaks took place predominantly during the dry season. The primary drivers of disease spread were live pig movements linked to trade and herd restocking. Consequently, effective management of the virus requires interventions directed at regulating and restricting pig transport throughout the country.
African swine fever threatens domestic pig populations with near-total mortality rates, posing severe risks to livestock production and rural food security. Pinpointing specific geographical hotspots, seasonal timings, and transmission pathways, such as market trade and restocking movements, allows veterinary authorities and agricultural policymakers to target surveillance and disease prevention strategies where they are needed most.
The abstract does not indicate a commercialisation pathway. The findings provide epidemiological evidence that public veterinary authorities and livestock logistics planners could apply to design targeted movement restrictions, border screening protocols, and seasonal surveillance schedules. This work represents early-stage observational research rather than a commercial product or service.
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African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease, which can cause up to 100% mortality among domestic pigs. In Uganda there is paucity of information on the epidemiology of the disease, hence a study was carried out to elucidate the patterns of ASF outbreaks. Spatial and temporal analyses were performed with data collected monthly by the district veterinary officers (DVOs) and sent to the central administration at MAAIF from 2001 to 2012. Additionally, risk factors and the associated characteristics related to the disease were assessed based on semistructured questionnaires sent to the DVOs. A total of 388 ASF outbreaks were reported in 59 districts. Of these outbreaks, 201 (51.8%) were reported in districts adjacent to the national parks while 80 (20.6%) were adjacent to international borders. The number of reported ASF outbreaks changed over time and by geographical regions; however, no outbreak was reported in the North-Eastern region. ASF was ranked as second most important disease of pigs, and it occurred mostly during the dry season (P = 0.01). Pig movements due to trade (OR 15.5, CI 4.9-49.1) and restocking (OR 6.6, CI 2.5-17.3) were the major risk factors. ASF control strategies should focus on limiting pig movements in Uganda.
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DOI: 10.1155/2013/949638
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