Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2011Vol. 58(1): 86–92
Outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been reported in the past from
several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to genotype
ASF viruses (ASFVs) from the 2008 outbreak in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam
regions of Tanzania. Tissue samples from domestic pigs that died as a result of
severe haemorrhagic disease were collected and analysed with PCR and genome
sequencing methods using ASFV-specific primer sets. Nucleotide sequence data
were obtained for the B646L (p72), E183L (p54) and the variable region of the
B602L gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences showed
that the 2008 Tanzanian isolates belonged to p72 genotype XV and clustered
together with those derived from the 2001 outbreak in Tanzania. Analysis of
the tetrameric amino acid repeat regions within the variable region of the
B602L gene showed that the repeat signature of the 2008 Tanzanian ASFV was
unique and contained three novel tetramers (U = NIDT/NTDT and
X = NTDI). Epidemiological investigation suggested that transportation of live
pigs continues to play an active role in the epidemiology of ASF in Tanzania.
It is recommended that future control of ASF spread in Tanzania should focus
on the early detection and confirmation of the disease, prompt institution of
quarantine measures, culling and proper disposal of infected and in-contact
animals and decontamination of affected premises.