Abstract
The pandemic spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II (GTII) has led to a global crisis. Since the circulating strains are almost identical, time and money have been mis-invested in whole-genome sequencing the last years. New methods, harmonised protocols for sample selection, sequencing, and bioinformatics are therefore urgently needed.
Highlights
Expectations are high when it comes to whole-genome sequences of African swine fever virus (ASFV)
Huge financial and technical resources have been dedicated to ASFV whole-genome sequencing to provide a basis for molecular epidemiology for the current pandemic
29 whole-genome sequences from the corresponding genotype II (GTII) strains from 10 affected countries have been published in the last 10 years, only 2 regions showing significant differences were identified [14], and none of those have proven useful for larger-scale molecular epidemiology or source tracking so far
Summary
ASF is definitively on the winning track threatening Western Europe and wreaking havoc in Asia’s pig industry [3] Shockwaves triggered by this ongoing event have been sent around the globe, and today, even industries that are only distantly related to pigs—e.g., production of anticoagulants, enzymes, and sweets—are affected [4,5]. The need for knowledge about this exotic pathogen as well as prediction and intervention strategies have become very urgent One part of this knowledge is whole-genome sequences of ASFV. With the introduction of ASF into Asia, home of the most dense population of domestic pigs in the world, the world is facing the worst pandemic of an animal disease seen to date, and new ASFV whole-genome sequences from Europe and Asia are being published with increasing.
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