Aid on Spreadsheets

Understanding the dynamics and spread of African swine fever in Uganda-a pilot study on the role of the bushpig, Potamochoerus larvatus

Uganda is an agricultural country where 85% of the population lives in rural areas. The country has the 2nd largest and most rapidly growing pig production in Africa. However, the pig sector in the country faces constraints such as infectious disease. African swine fever (ASF), is endemic in Uganda and one of the most feared animal diseases globally. The epidemiology is complex involving either the natural non-affected reservoirs of the virus: wild pigs and ticks, or a more recent cycle in which the virus transmits from pig to pig. Although warthogs are considered the main wild host of the virus, they are not the only wild African suids with a potential role in ASF epidemiology. The bushpig is a very elusive wild pig known to be susceptible to ASFV. Naturally infected animals have been reported from several countries, and like warthogs, infected bushpigs show no clinical signs. Bushpigs can transmit ASFV to domestic pigs horizontally and the interface between bushpig and domestic pig habitat is likely to be significant in many regions. With this in mind, this project will apply a molecular ecological approach to understand the role of the bushpigs in the epidemiology of ASFV at the wildlife-livestock interface. Whereas most of the research expenses are covered by research grants from other funding bodies, this proposed grant is aimed at creating added value through closer interaction between the applicants and through workshops and seminars with relevant stakeholders.

Project ID

SE-0-29-2011-7380-285-43082

Activity status

2 - Implementation

Aid type

D02 - Other technical assistance

% to Uganda

100.00

Organisations

Funding

Sweden

Implementing

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet

Extending

None

CRS code	%
Research/scientific institutions (43082)	100.0