Persistence of African Swine Fever Virus in Ticks
Author Information
Author(s): Boinas Fernando S., Wilson Anthony J., Hutchings Geoff H., Martins Carlos, Dixon Linda J.
Primary Institution: Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa
Hypothesis
How long can Ornithodoros erraticus act as a reservoir for African swine fever virus after infected hosts are removed?
Conclusion
Ticks can carry infectious African swine fever virus for over five years after the removal of infected pigs.
Supporting Evidence
- Infectious virus was isolated from ticks collected up to five years after the removal of infected pigs.
- Experimental transmission to pigs was demonstrated from ticks tested up to 380 days after an outbreak.
- The study confirms that Ornithodoros erraticus can act as a long-term reservoir for African swine fever virus.
Takeaway
Ticks can keep a virus for a really long time, even after the sick pigs are gone, which means they can still make other pigs sick later.
Methodology
Ticks were collected from 34 farms and tested for the presence of the virus using cell culture and experimental infection on pigs.
Limitations
The study only included farms in Portugal and may not represent other regions.
Participant Demographics
Ticks collected from farms in Alentejo and Algarve, Portugal.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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