Division D RECOMMENDED VIROLOGICAL TESTS AND EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS

Virological tests are essential for the confirmation of ASF.

Virus isolation and HAD must be considered as the reference virological tests and must be used as confirmatory tests when necessary. Their use is particularly recommended where positive DIF or PCR results are not associated with the detection of clinical signs or lesions of disease and in any other doubtful cases.

However, a primary outbreak of ASF can be confirmed if clinical signs or lesions of disease have been detected in the pigs in question and at least two distinct antigen, genome or antibody detection tests have given a positive result on samples taken from the same suspected pig.

A secondary outbreak of ASF can be confirmed if, in addition to the epidemiological link to a confirmed outbreak or case, clinical signs or lesions of disease have been detected in the pigs in question and an antigen, genome or antibody detection test has given a positive result.

A primary case of ASF in feral pigs can be confirmed by virus isolation or when at least two antigen, genome or antibody detection tests have given a positive result. Further cases of ASF in feral pigs for which an epidemiological link with previously confirmed cases has been found can be confirmed if an antigen, genome or antibody detection test has given a positive result.