Outbreak investigation of African swine fever in Ebonyi State Nigeria,30th April to July, 6th, 2021

Abstract

Sporadic outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) is still been reported in Nigeria. There is a paucity of information on the lessons learnt in the control of ASF in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to describe the outbreak response to ASF, identify possible risk factors for the outbreak of ASF, and describe strategies for control of ASF in Ebonyi State, with a view to provide information necessary for public health action. We carried out a retrospective/prospective disease investigation by reviewing case reports of outbreaks of ASF in Ebonyi State between 1st January-30th June 2021, from the Department of Veterinary Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FDVS), Ebonyi State, Nigeria. We defined the case definition for a suspected case of ASF, constituted a Rapid Response Team (RRT). Prospective outbreak investigation was conducted by reviewing farm records on sales of pigs to other pig farms. Sample collected include tissue section (spleen, lungs, liver), whole blood (without anticoagulant) at 4-5°C stored in Giostyle, for onward transport to the National Veterinary Research Institute, (NVRI) Jos for Laboratory diagnosis. On the 28th through 30th of April 2021 suspected outbreak of ASF was reported at Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, herd size of 400 pigs. Affected pigs showed marked erythema, Ataxia, acute mortality, respiratory distress. On the 14th of May 2021, the Laboratory sample was confirmed as positive for African swine fever virus (ASFV). Risk factors identified during outbreak investigation were; poor drainages within and between pens, feed sources were mainly agricultural waste products sourced from (poultry, market, livestock), poor biosecurity measures; foot deep, appear not to be in use and poor choice of disinfectants. The need to maintain biosecurity measures within the farm can never be overemphasized. A sporadic outbreak of ASF may occur when there is a breach in the biosafety protocol of a pig production system. Consequently, we discourage feeding poultry waste to pigs, ensure proper drainages within and between pens, use recommended disinfectants. Furthermore, the State Ministry of Agriculture should develop a minimum operating standard for would be pig farmers in the state to ensure biosecurity standards, and supervised compliance before permission is granted for the operation of a pig farms within the state.