Confirmation Of African Swine Fever Virus in Some Pigs from Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to investigate and isolate African Swine Fever virus in pig in Ado local government area (LGA) of Benue state of  Nigeria and this has confirmed the carrier status of the pigs in the LGA. Out of the 188 serum samples collected, 7 were obtained from  the LGA and were tested using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Three samples (42.86%) were positive and 4(57.14%) were  negative for the test. All the serum samples (42.86%) that were positive by ELISA were also positive by polymerase chain reaction  amplification (PCR). The PCR-positive pigs had higher mean WBC count, lower eosinophil and basophils count, higher mean monocytes  count but the mean PCV values were not significantly different from the normal and PCR negative pigs. High mean WBC count may  indicate an ongoing secondary bacterial and ASF virus infection, lower eosinophil and basophils count indicates parasitism in the pigs,  higher mean monocytes count. This confirmed that pigs with demonstrable antibody should be considered as chronic carriers of the  virus because it is doubtful if true recovery ever occurs. Control measures such as use of biosecurity, test and slaughter of animals that  test positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) antibody with adequate compensation are suggested to eradicate the disease.