African Swine Fever Symptom Checker

Be a part of the solution! Check for ASF symptoms, and if any of these symptoms arise, report suspected ASF cases using the reporting system. By working together, we can prevent the spread of ASF and protect our valuable swine industry.

SYMPTOMS

DIAGNOSIS & WHAT TO DO

loader-icon

DIAGNOSIS
High fever typically between 40-42°C (104-107.6°F) is a common symptom of African Swine Fever (ASF).

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the pig: Separate any sick pigs from the rest of the herd to prevent potential spread.
  2. Contact your veterinarian immediately: A veterinarian can perform a physical exam and potentially collect samples for laboratory testing to confirm or rule out ASF.
  3. Report to authorities: ASF is a reportable disease in most countries. Contact your local animal health authorities if ASF is suspected.

DIAGNOSIS
Loss of appetite in pigs can be a sign of many diseases, including African Swine Fever (ASF), but it is not a definitive diagnostic symptom on its own.

Loss of appetite is a common symptom in pigs experiencing various health issues, such as:

  • Other viral infections (PRRS, Swine Flu)
  • Bacterial infections (Salmonella, E. coli)
  • Parasites
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Stress
  • Even something as simple as a change in feed can cause a pig to temporarily lose its appetite.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Observe: If you notice a pig off its feed, monitor it closely for other symptoms.
  2. Isolate: If other signs suggest ASF or another serious illness, isolate the pig immediately to prevent potential spread.
  3. Contact a veterinarian: This is crucial for proper diagnosis. A vet can assess the pig's overall condition, perform tests if needed, and rule out or confirm ASF.
  4. Report: If ASF is suspected, it's critical to report it to your local animal health authorities immediately.

DIAGNOSIS:

Depression, lethargy, and reluctance to move can be signs of African Swine Fever (ASF), they are not exclusive to ASF and can be seen in many other swine diseases.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the affected pig(s): Separate them from the rest of the herd to prevent potential spread of disease.
  2. Contact a veterinarian immediately: A proper diagnosis requires a thorough examination, possibly including blood tests and other diagnostic procedures.
  3. Report to authorities: If ASF is suspected, it's crucial to report it to your local animal health authorities.

DIAGNOSIS:

Redness or bluish discoloration of the skin can be a sign of African Swine Fever (ASF), it is NOT a definitive diagnostic factor on its own. Many other diseases and conditions can cause similar skin discoloration in pigs.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Consider other symptoms: Don't rely on skin discoloration alone. Look for other signs like high fever, loss of appetite, depression, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
  2. Isolate the pig: Separate any pig showing unusual signs from the rest of the herd to prevent potential spread of disease.
  3. Contact a veterinarian immediately: A veterinarian can properly assess the pig, consider all symptoms, and perform necessary diagnostic tests to rule out ASF or identify other potential causes.
  4. Laboratory testing is essential: The only way to confirm ASF is through laboratory testing of samples from the affected pig.

DIAGNOSIS:

Weakness and unsteady gait can be indicative of African Swine Fever (ASF), but these symptoms alone are not enough for a definitive diagnosis it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), and other infections.
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Neurological conditions

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the pig: Separate any sick pigs from the rest of the herd to prevent potential spread.
  2. Contact your veterinarian immediately: A veterinarian can perform a physical exam and potentially collect samples for laboratory testing to confirm or rule out ASF.
  3. Report to authorities: ASF is a reportable disease in most countries. Contact your local animal health authorities if ASF is suspected.

DIAGNOSIS:

Severe internal bleeding can be a sign of African Swine Fever (ASF), but it is not a definitive diagnostic factor on its own.

Internal bleeding in ASF is often accompanied by other clinical signs like:

  • High fever (40-42°C or 104-107.6°F)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness and lethargy
  • Red or blotchy skin (especially on ears and snout)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
  • Sudden death

 

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the pig: Immediately separate any pigs showing these signs from the rest of the herd.
  2. Contact your veterinarian: A veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination and may collect samples (blood, tissues) for laboratory testing to confirm or rule out ASF.
  3. Report to authorities: ASF is a reportable disease. Contact your local animal health authorities immediately if ASF is suspected.

DIAGNOSIS:

Coughing and difficulty breathing in pigs can be symptoms of African Swine Fever (ASF), but these signs alone are not enough for a diagnosis.

Many respiratory diseases affect pigs, including influenza, pneumonia, and PRRS. These can also cause coughing and breathing difficulties.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the affected pigs: Separate them from the healthy herd to minimize the risk of spreading any potential infection.
  2. Contact your veterinarian immediately: A veterinarian can assess the pigs, perform diagnostic tests, and help determine the cause of the respiratory issues.
  3. Report to authorities: If ASF is suspected, it's crucial to report it to your local animal health authorities.

DIAGNOSIS:

Thick or sticky eye discharge in pigs can be a symptom of African Swine Fever (ASF), but it is NOT a definitive diagnostic factor on its own. Many other conditions can cause this symptom in pigs.

  • Common symptom: Eye discharge can be caused by various factors, including:
  • Other infections: Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, other respiratory diseases
  • Irritants: Dust, allergens, foreign objects in the eye
  • Injuries: Scratches or trauma to the eye

ASF often presents with a combination of symptoms, including:

  • High fever (104-107.6°F)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness and lethargy
  • Red or blotchy skin (especially on ears, snout, and legs)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
  • Sudden death

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the pig(s): Separate any pigs with concerning symptoms from the rest of the herd.
  2. Contact your veterinarian immediately: A veterinarian can assess the pig, consider other possible causes, and potentially collect samples for laboratory testing to confirm or rule out ASF.
  3. Report to authorities: ASF is a reportable disease. Contact your local animal health authorities if ASF is suspected.

DIAGNOSIS:

Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, can be a symptom of African Swine Fever (ASF). ASF cyanosis is usually a late sign often appears in the later stages of the disease, along with other severe symptoms like high fever, weakness, and internal bleeding.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the pig: Separate it from the rest of the herd to prevent potential disease spread.
  2. Check for other symptoms: Look for signs like high fever, loss of appetite, depression, difficulty breathing, skin redness, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  3. Contact a veterinarian immediately: A veterinarian can perform a thorough examination, consider all symptoms, and conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause of cyanosis.
  4. Laboratory testing is crucial: To confirm ASF, laboratory testing of samples (blood, tissues) is essential.

DIAGNOSIS:
Pigs with African Swine Fever (ASF) may exhibit neurological signs such as incoordination, tremors, seizures, paralysis, circling, head tilt, and changes in behavior like aggression or depression, particularly in young piglets. These symptoms arise from inflammation in the brain and spinal cord caused by the ASF virus. However, it's important to note that many pigs with ASF, especially in the early stages of the disease, may not show obvious neurological signs.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the pig(s): Separate them from the healthy herd to prevent potential spread of disease.
  2. Contact your veterinarian immediately: A vet can assess the pig, consider other possible causes, and potentially collect samples for laboratory testing to confirm or rule out ASF.
  3. Report to authorities: ASF is a reportable disease. Contact your local animal health authorities if ASF is suspected.

DIAGNOSIS:
While miscarriage alone isn't a definitive ASF diagnosis, it's a serious sign that warrants immediate veterinary attention and investigation, especially in areas where ASF is present or a concern.
ASF can cause abortions, stillbirths, mummified fetuses, and weak piglets. This is due to the virus crossing the placenta and affecting the fetuses.

WHAT TO DO:

  1. Isolate the sow: Separate her from the rest of the herd to prevent potential spread of disease.
  2. Contact your veterinarian immediately: A vet can examine the sow, investigate the cause of miscarriage, and potentially collect samples (blood, tissue) for laboratory testing to confirm or rule out ASF.
  3. Report to authorities: ASF is a reportable disease. Contact your local animal health authorities if ASF is suspected.

Sudden death in pigs can be a frightening and concerning observation, and while it can be a sign of African Swine Fever (ASF), it's not a definitive diagnostic factor by itself. Many other conditions can cause sudden death in pigs.

  • Various causes of sudden death:

    • Heart conditions: Heart attacks or other cardiac events can lead to sudden death.
    • Toxins: Ingestion of poisons or toxic substances can cause rapid death.
    • Lightning strikes: Sadly, this is a potential cause of sudden death in outdoor pigs.
    • Stress: Extreme stress or fright can sometimes lead to sudden death.
    • Internal bleeding: This can be caused by various factors, including ASF, but also by other diseases or injuries.
    • Other infectious diseases: Some acute infections can cause rapid death, such as acute erysipelas or certain types of septicemia.
  • ASF context is important: Consider if there are other signs suggestive of ASF in the herd, such as:

    • High fever
    • Loss of appetite
    • Red or bluish skin discoloration
    • Weakness and lethargy
    • Vomiting or diarrhea
    • Abortions in pregnant sows

What to do in case of sudden death:

  1. Isolate the carcass: Prevent other pigs from accessing it to minimize potential disease spread.
  2. Contact a veterinarian immediately: A veterinarian can perform a post-mortem examination (necropsy) to try to determine the cause of death.
  3. Laboratory testing is essential for ASF confirmation: If ASF is suspected, the veterinarian will collect samples (blood, tissues) and send them to a laboratory for testing.

Disclaimer: This website uses content from the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with permission. Data for the interactive maps and analyses is sourced from the Bureau of Animal Quarantine, Region VI, Western Visayas.