Introduction to classical swine fever: Disease transmission and control

Classical swine fever (CSF) is globally significant and highly infectious disease of swine caused by Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV). The virus affects all age groups of pigs and wild boars. The disease is known in India since 1944 and then after outbreaks has been reported from all around the country wherever pig rearing is being practiced but more frequently from North-East states, which harbors a large share of country's total pig population. The disease may be expressed as acute, chronic, late onset or in apparent course, depending on variety of virus and host factor leading to enormous economic loss in the form of mortality, stunted growth, poor reproductive performance and also impeding the international trade of pig and pig products. Despite of the highly devastating nature and diagnosis difficulties, CSF has remained underestimated in India and requires development of rapid and sensitive diagnostics and effective prophylactics for control of disease. A lapinized swine fever vaccine is being used to protect the pigs from the disease but the vaccine is facing constraints in its production. A control and eradication policy is required to defeat this disease which the country is lacking.