USDA researchers have condensed the categorization of African Swine Fever virus strains from 25 to just six distinct genotypes, reducing the number of vaccines that may be needed.
"Our research team recently re-evaluated all the publicly available virus DNA sequence and found that the majority of genotypes (genetic makeup) originally identified as novel were not correctly identified nor compared to already existing ASFV virus genotypes,” said senior Agricultural Research Service scientist Douglas Gladue.
"Based on this analysis, there are actually fewer unique genotypes than the ASF research community believed, and that means that there is less diversity of ASFV affecting communities across the globe," Gladue said.
“This information is important as it may reduce the number of vaccines previously thought to be needed to protect against all ASFV genotypes," he said.
It’s easy to be “in the know” about what’s happening in Washington, D.C. Sign up for a FREE month of Agri-Pulse news! Simply click here.
The extensive initiative included ARS researchers re-evaluating more than 12,000 historical and contemporary virus isolates derived from ASFV labs worldwide. The challenge was facilitated through the capabilities of SciNet, the ARS supercomputer cluster dedicated to addressing agricultural big data challenges.
While the ASF virus is inflicting significant economic losses on the global swine industry, the U.S. has not experienced any outbreaks. Originating in Africa, the highly contagious virus first spread to the Republic of Georgia in 2007. It since has spread to Europe, the Dominican Republic, and Asia, ultimately reaching South Africa in early 2023. The virus cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans.
For more news, go to Agri-Pulse.com.
