Division 1

Genetic characterisation of ASF virus isolates is achieved by determining restriction enzyme patterns and nucleotide sequences of portions of the virus genome. The similarity of these restriction patterns or sequences with those already obtained from previous virus isolates may indicate whether outbreaks of the disease are caused by viruses that follow a European or an African molecular model.

Genetic characterisation of ASF virus isolates is of major importance to improve the current knowledge on the molecular epidemiology of ASF and the genetic variation of viruses. The molecular data allow new isolates to be classified and provide information on their possible origin.