7. RESEARCH GAPS
The most significant knowledge gaps in the prevention and control of ASF
are (i) correlation of wild boar and ASF occurrence (ii) ASFV survival
and transmission (iii) Biosecurity and (iv) Surveillance (Alvarez et
al., 2019).To control ASF in countries where the wild-boar habitat cycle
persists, estimation of wild-boar population in an area, correlation
between wild-boar and ASF occurrence, mechanism of ASFV spread and
persistence in the wild-boar population and host to host transmission is
required to be critically analysed. With relation to ASFV survival and
transmission, the role of vectors (Soft ticks/biting flies) needs to be
further investigated (particularly in Indian scenario). Biosecurity
measure is another significant gap in developing countries where pig
production is a major source of economy. Livestock owners and farmers in
villages and remote areas are not aware of biosecurity measures and
being unable to identify the most effective measure for preventing
infectious animal diseases bears severe economic loss. In such
situations, veterinarians and para-veterinarians need to play a leading
role to strengthen the veterinary services by educating the livestock
owners about the disease and its prevention as well as should carry on
consistent awareness programmes on infectious disease management.
Surveillance is another research gap with respect to ASF prevention and
control and is considered as a high priority. To avoid or to limit
future outbreaks a strategic plan for control of ASF will be required
for which we presume integrated (active and passive) surveillance is
required as soon as possible. The major research gaps in ASF prevention
are appropriately described by a study carried out by Alvarez and
co-workers (Alvarez et al., 2019). Apart from the mentioned research
gaps identified for ASF, unavailability of a vaccine till date makes the
diseases difficult to control and once the disease is introduced into a
pig population, culling of animals remain the only effective disease
control option.