Prevalence of African Swine Fever Viral Antigens in Slaughter Pigs at Nalukolongo Abattoir, Kampala, Uganda

Type Journal Article - Research Opinions in Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Title Prevalence of African Swine Fever Viral Antigens in Slaughter Pigs at Nalukolongo Abattoir, Kampala, Uganda
Author(s)
Volume 1
Issue 5
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2011
Page numbers 313-317
URL http://www.roavs.com/pdf-files/vol_5_2011/313-317.pdf
Abstract
The underdevelopment of the African pig industry is widely attributed to African swine fever (ASF). Outbreaks of the disease occur in different parts of Uganda almost annually although cases are rarely confirmed. We conducted an abattoir based survey of ASF associated lymph node lesions to establish the status of the disease in apparently healthy pigs. Highly suspicious lesions were subjected to immunohistochemistry for viral antigen detection. Most lymph nodes with follicular necrosis, parenchymal haemorrhage and lymphoid depletion were positive to ASF antigens. Up to 22 (0.1%) of the 258 pigs from which samples were collected were positive to ASF viral antigens. We conclude that domestic pigs in Uganda can act as reservoirs of the disease i.e. sustenance of the disease in pig populations may not be entirely dependent on the sylvatic cycle.

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