Bridging the Gap: Can COVID-19 Research Help Combat African Swine Fever?

Danaya Pakotiprapha; Sakonwan Kuhaudomlarp; Ruchanok Tinikul; Sittinan Chanarat

doi:10.3390/v15091925

Bridging the Gap: Can COVID-19 Research Help Combat African Swine Fever?

Viruses. 2023 Sep 15;15(9):1925. doi: 10.3390/v15091925.

Authors

Danaya Pakotiprapha¹, Sakonwan Kuhaudomlarp¹, Ruchanok Tinikul¹, Sittinan Chanarat¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Center for Excellence in Protein and Enzyme Technology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.

Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar, caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). Despite being harmless to humans, ASF poses significant challenges to the swine industry, due to sudden losses and trade restrictions. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has spurred an unparalleled global research effort, yielding remarkable advancements across scientific disciplines. In this review, we explore the potential technological spillover from COVID-19 research into ASF. Specifically, we assess the applicability of the diagnostic tools, vaccine development strategies, and biosecurity measures developed for COVID-19 for combating ASF. Additionally, we discuss the lessons learned from the pandemic in terms of surveillance systems and their implications for managing ASF. By bridging the gap between COVID-19 and ASF research, we highlight the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and technological spillovers in the battle against ASF.

Keywords: African swine fever; African swine fever virus; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; diagnostics; vaccines.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

African Swine Fever Virus*
African Swine Fever* / epidemiology
African Swine Fever* / prevention & control
Animals
COVID-19* / prevention & control
Humans
Pandemics / prevention & control
Sus scrofa
Swine

Grants and funding

This research project was supported by Mahidol University (Fundamental Fund: fiscal year 2023 by National Science Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) Contract No. FF-063/2566).