Why in News? 

Mizoram is currently facing severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). 

About African Swine Fever (ASF)  

• Nature of Disease: A highly contagious and fatal viral disease in domestic and wild pigs, causing hemorrhagic fever. 
• Geographical Spread: Initially in Africa, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. 
  Since 2007, it has spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. 
• Mortality Rate: Very high — close to 95–100%. 
• Human Risk: ASF does not affect humans; it only spreads among pigs. 
• Control Method: Since there is no cure or vaccine, culling infected animals is the only effective control. 
• Listed Under: OIE’s (World Organisation for Animal Health) Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 

Main Symptoms in Pigs 

• High fever, weakness, loss of appetite 
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, dark/red skin 
• Breathing problems, stillbirths 

Modes of Transmission 

• Direct Contact: With infected pigs, their body fluids, or faeces. 
• Indirect Contact: Through contaminated equipment, vehicles, or human handlers (fomites). 
• Feeding: Pigs consuming infected meat or meat products. 
• Vectors: Bites from infected Ornithodoros ticks.