Global and Regional Epidemiology of African Swine Fever and Its Risk in Nepal

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral infection of domestic and wild pigs with high mortality. First reported in East Africa in early 1900s, ASF was largely controlled in the domestic pigs of many countries. However, in recent years ASF outbreaks have been reported in several countries in Europe and Asia. The occurrence of ASF in China, the largest pork producer in the world, in 2018 and in India, the country that surrounds and shares open borders with Nepal, has increased the risk of ASF transmission to Nepal. Lately, pig farming practices is growing in Nepal overcoming traditional religious and cultural biases against it. However, emergence of viral infections like ASF can severely affect its growth and sustainability. When there are no effective vaccines available to prevent it, the government should focus on preventing entry of the virus through strict quarantine measures in the borders, controlling illegal trades, and by effective management practices including biosecurity measures.