Molecular detection of African swine fever virus in apparently healthy domestic pigs in Nasarawa state, Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the presence of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in domestic pigs in Nasarawa state. This state is surrounded by other states that had earlier reported ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs. Pig blood was collected and screened for ASFV DNA by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Apparent healthy pigs from Doma, Awe, Obi, Keana and Lafia local government areas of Nasarawa state were screened. A total of 1.9% (2/103) of the samples were found to be positive from Keana and Lafia. Of the 103 farmers surveyed, 58.3 % were females and 41.7% males. Management of pigs was predominantly semi-intensive (87.4%) with most of the pens built with mud bricks (51.5%), 31% built with concrete and 18.4% with wooden materials. Most of the farmers have formal education while 14.6% do not have any form of education. However, 23.3% of farms had a history of tick infestation around pens which is a predisposing factor for ASF. In conclusion, Nasarawa state is not free of ASFV. Pigs in the state are owned by smallholder farmers (within an average range of 1-20 pigs) with a sizeable number without education. More females are involved in production compared to males should be supported as a strategy for poverty alleviation.