Seroprevalence of African Swine Fever in Free Range Pigs in Taraba State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in two Local Government Areas of Taraba State between the months of March to June, 2007, to asses the serological evidence of African Swine fever (ASF) virus antibodies in free range pig population. Extensive herds of pigs were targeted for this study, and a convenient sampling technique was employed based on the availability of pigs population as well as farmer’s willingness to allow their animals to be bled. A total of 304 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy pigs. Sera were tested using Blocking Enzyme linked Immuno Assay (B-ELISA).There was an overall seroprevalence of 48.7% (95% CI: 43.09- 54.3). Seroprevalence based on different locations showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of ASF 61% (95% CI: 54.9-66.9) in Wukari LGA than 26% (95% CI: 15.3-39.4) in Karin Lamido LGA. Seropositivity based on sex revealed a higher seroprevalence in females 50.4% (95 %:( CI 44.3-56.5), than in males 40% (95%: CI 27.2-54.0). This study has shown that ASF is enzootic in free-range pig population in Taraba State which entails a potential danger to pig production with its attendance negative impact on food security and means of livelihood. We recommend an ASFV ecological study to unravel the factors responsible for continues circulation and maintenance of the virus in Nigerian pig population.