Division 3

The main natural route of infection of pigs in Europe is oro-nasal by direct or indirect contact with infected pigs or by feeding of virus-contaminated feed. However, in those areas where vectors^f1 exist, transmission via these vectors plays a very important role in virus persistence and spread. ASF may also spread via indirect contact with contaminated materials and via biting insects which mechanically transport the ASF virus. Disease transmission may also occur via semen of infected boars.