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African Swine Fever Endemic in Europe: No Recent Imports Confirmed
- The African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), a highly contagious and devastating pathogen, poses a significant threat to global swine populations.
- Research in Genome Biology and Evolution delves into the dispersal history and lineage dynamics of ASFV genotype II in Europe, challenging previous assumptions.
- ASFV, notorious for its high mortality rate and economic impact, affects both domestic pigs and wild boar populations.
- The virus's emergence outside Africa in 2007 marked a pivotal moment in its geographical spread.
- A recent study examined ASFV genotype II samples from Lithuania, revealing insights into the virus's genetic homogeneity and historical establishment in Europe.
- Localized spread within Europe was found to be driven by intra-continental transmission dynamics, with no recent viral exchange between African and European populations.
- Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Germany were identified as crucial nodes in the regional spread of ASFV within Europe.
- High-throughput genomic sequencing plays a vital role in understanding viral epidemiology and informing targeted interventions.
- The study underscores the importance of integrating genomic surveillance with movement controls and enhanced diagnostics for effective biosecurity measures.
- Despite ongoing challenges, the absence of an effective ASFV vaccine necessitates innovative approaches informed by genomic data to combat the virus.
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