8.11 Investigations on prevalence of soft ticks
Distribution of argasid or soft ticks can be found throughout the world except for places with extreme climatic conditions (Estrada-Pena et al., 2012; Manzano-Roman et al., 2012). However, the distribution of specific species of soft tick is more limited or may be very extensive, depending on factors such as the adaptability of each particular species to new ecological environments, the dissemination of immature phases by migratory birds and the ability of adult specimens to infest different host species (Manzano-Roman et al., 2012). Considering the involvement of Ornithodoros ticks as a biological vector of ASF it is also possible that species that have never been identified in India may be imported from other continents contributing to a geographic distribution of particular species in constant to evolution. Therefore, an extensive investigation on the prevalence of Ornithodoros species is important to know the status of their distribution throughout the country and should be included in control strategies.
Along with the critical preventive and control measures mentioned for ASF, public-awareness and education campaigns are important integral elements of the disease control strategies. Disease awareness campaigns should be targeted in pig rearing areas in India because rural farmers lack knowledge on animal diseases, clinical symptoms and biosecurity measures. Exotic diseases like ASF should be given equal importance as human diseases when it comes to the socio-economic status of developing nations like India since a majority of the population depends on agriculture and livestock farming for food security and livelihood.