New study finds natural ASF mutation less deadly, but harder to detect

New variants of African swine fever (ASF) in China seem to cause a milder form of the disease, making it less deadly but also harder to detect and control, according to a paper by Harbin Veterinary Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The team is the second this month to report such findings.

The latest report notes the natural mutants cause a “much more delayed course, and mild, chronic signs, while being continuously shed via the oral and rectal routes”. Some analysts say around 20% of sows in northern China have been affected by the disease this winter. The teams said the efficacy of a vaccine that is being developed by Harbin needs to be “urgently evaluated” against the new strain.