If trends continue, African swine fever is likely to increase its infectious range due to the expansion of disease-carrying insects and favorable conditions caused by rising global temperatures.
The potential expansion of African swine fever due to rising global temperatures is a legitimate concern.
The link between climate change and infectious diseases, especially those transmitted by vectors like insects, has been observed in various contexts.
Warmer temperatures can influence the geographical distribution and behavior of disease-carrying insects, potentially extending their habitats and consequently expanding the range of diseases they transmit.
primarily affecting domestic pigs and wild boars, is transmitted through contact with infected animals, contaminated objects, or via tick bites.
While the virus itself doesn't depend on insect vectors for transmission, changes in climate can indirectly impact the disease.
Rising temperatures may affect the behavior, reproduction, and survival of ticks, potentially increasing their population and expanding their territories.
This scenario could facilitate the spread of new regions or even across borders.
The parallels drawn with diseases like dengue fever and malaria, which have expanded their ranges due to warmer climates, suggest a similar pattern could occur .
Monitoring and understanding these potential shifts in disease patterns are crucial for implementing effective preventive measures, such as biosecurity protocols, vaccination programs, and vector control strategies, to mitigate the spread and protect vulnerable swine populations.