Abstract:
The global spread of African swine fever (ASF) in recent decades has led to the need for
technological advances in sampling and diagnostic techniques. The impetus for these has been the
need to enable sampling by lay persons and to obtain at least a preliminary diagnosis in the field
for early control measures to be put in place before final laboratory confirmation. In rural Africa,
rapid diagnosis is hampered by challenges that include lack of infrastructure as well as human and
financial resources. Lack of animal health personnel, access to affordable means to transport field
samples to a laboratory, and lack of laboratories with the capacity to make the diagnosis result in
severe under-reporting of ASF, especially in endemic areas. This review summarizes the challenges
identified in gap analyses relevant to low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on Africa,
and explore the opportunities provided by recent research to improve field diagnosis and quality
of diagnostic samples used. Sampling techniques include invasive sampling techniques requiring
trained personnel and non-invasive sampling requiring minimal training, sampling of decomposed
carcass material, and preservation of samples in situations where cold chain maintenance cannot be
guaranteed. Availability and efficacy of point-of-care (POC) tests for ASF has improved considerably
in recent years and their application, as well as advantages and limitations, are discussed. The
adequacy of existing laboratory diagnostic capacity is evaluated and opportunities for networking
amongst reference and other laboratories offering diagnostic services are discussed. Maintaining
laboratory diagnostic efficiency in the absence of samples during periods of quiescence is another
issue that requires attention, and the role of improved laboratory networking is emphasized. Early
diagnosis of ASF is key to managing the disease spread. Therefore, the establishment of the Africa
Chapter of the Global African Swine Fever Research Alliance (GARA) increases opportunities for
collaboration and networking among the veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the region.
