# Farming Practices, Biosecurity Gaps, and Genetic Insights into African Swine Fever Virus in the Iringa and Ruvuma Regions of Tanzania

## TL;DR

This study examines African Swine Fever Virus in Tanzania, highlighting poor biosecurity and the dominance of genotype II, stressing the need for improved practices to prevent outbreaks.

## Contribution

The study identifies genotype II as the persistent strain and highlights critical biosecurity gaps in swine farming in Tanzania.

## Key findings

- ASFV genotype II remains the dominant strain in the region over a decade after its initial detection.
- Poor biosecurity practices, such as feeding untreated swill and unrestricted visitor access, are widespread risk factors.
- Co-infection with porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) was detected in some cases, complicating disease management.

## Abstract

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) poses a severe threat to pig farming globally. This study investigates farming practices and ASFV genotype II distribution in the Iringa and Ruvuma Regions of Tanzania, focusing on biosecurity gaps and molecular characterization. The study attempted to establish the ASFV infection status and the standards of biosecurity status in a select group of holdings. Therefore, a total of 205 clinical specimens were collected from 120 farm holdings, resulting in the confirmation of 21 ASFV cases from 14 holdings, and the detection of porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) co-infection in some cases. These findings emphasize the need for targeted biosecurity interventions and surveillance to mitigate ASF outbreaks in endemic regions. Phylogenetic analysis showed genetic uniformity among isolates, underlining the persistent dominance and stability of genotype II in the region.

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) genotype II dominates outbreaks in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, continuing to persist as the dominant strain over a decade after its first incursion in 2010. A total of 205 samples from 120 holdings were collected, with 21 confirmed ASFV-positive animals from 14 holdings. Molecular analysis revealed genetic uniformity among isolates, all clustering within ASFV genotype II. Poor biosecurity measures, such as feeding of untreated swill (80% of holdings) and lack of restrictions on visitors (90% of holdings), were identified as risk factors. Additionally, co-infection with porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) further complicates disease management. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity and farmer education to mitigate ASFV outbreaks in endemic regions.