SHIC Grant Funds Research into Potential Role of Rodents as ASF Vectors in Vietnam

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) continues to share details on African swine fever (ASF) management and control research taking place in Vietnam, made possible by a USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service grant received in 2019. Lessons from this study and others will be valuable if ASF enters the US. In a project led by staff from South Dakota State University and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, it will be determined if ASF virus can be detected in mice and rats, a potential threat of transmission.

If ASF virus can be detected in rodents in Vietnam, the study will then evaluate which tissues of mice and rats are best to sample. Next, the project will study the impact of farm biosecurity level on rodents’ ability to carry the disease, confirming whether stringent biosecurity reduces rodent movement as compared to farms with less stringent biosecurity and older buildings. Finally, researchers will measure mouse-to-mouse transmission of ASF in a controlled, laboratory situation, determining if ASF can be transmitted between mice through direct physical contact and/or contact with feces from ASF-infected mice.

This look into rodents as potential ASF vectors is one of the many research proposals being funded by the USDA FAS grant received by SHIC, or with the cooperation of the National Pork Board in an effort to gain ASF information.

As the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, SHIC continues to focus efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response to novel and emerging swine disease for the benefit of US swine health. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. SHIC is funded by America’s pork producers to fulfill its mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd. For more information, visit https://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Sundberg at [email protected].