Avoid confusion with this quick guide to pig diseases

In order to ensure proper treatment for and management of pig diseases, farmers must know the differences between African swine fever, classical swine fever and swine flu

- Janine Ryan.

According to Prof Jannie Crafford, senior lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases at the University of Pretoria, there are several key differences

between African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF) and swine flu. Some of these include the clinical signs, the way the disease affects pigs, and the risk of human infection.

“Knowing these differences can help to differentiate [one disease from another] and guide appropriate control measures. African swine fever, CSF (also known as hog cholera or European swine fever), and swine flu are three different diseases that can affect pigs, but their names are often used interchangeably, which can lead to oversights in how disease outbreaks are managed, and have serious ramifications for farmers and other stakeholders,” says Crafford.

FAST FACTS
African swine fever is endemic to Southern Africa, and has a mortality rate approaching 100%.

Classical swine fever is often confused with African swine fever.

Animals with swine flu recover quickly, but the morbidity rate is high.

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), ASF is responsible for “massive losses” in pig populations and “drastic economic consequences”. The disease is endemic to Southern Africa, but currently affects several regions around the world, it adds.

There is currently no effective vaccine. “ASF has detrimental impacts on biodiversity and the livelihoods of farmers, [due to its ease of spread and high mortality rate],” says the WOAH.