Serological Study of African Swine Fever in Traditional Pig Farms in Chad

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, highly contagious animal disease, affecting pigs and wild boars, warthogs, bush pigs and ticks (Ornithodoros), who are the likely vector. Its agent is a large double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Asfarvirus, the only representative of Asfarviridae family. Described for the first time in 1921 in East Africa (Kenya) by Montgomery, ASF has settled in the Iberian Peninsula. Since 1960, ASF has spread considerably in sub-Saharan Africa where it is endemic. ASF has emerged in Chad for the first time in October 2010 in the city of Bongor, capital of the region of Mayo-Kebbi-East, which is located about 250 km from Ndjamena. The city borders with northern Cameroon where the disease was reported in May 2010. The disease was introduced into the country from the far north in the Department of Mayo Danaye, Cameroon. Since 2010-2011, suspicions have become rare or no observed. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the presence or absence of ASF virus circulation in Chad in order to clarify the epidemiological situation of the disease in the country. To do this, a serological survey was conducted on different sites. The choice of these sites was based on the history of the disease in the country, where there has actually outbreaks of disease and on stamping out importance achieved during ASF episode of 2010-2011. A total of 275 Sera and 17 bloods on filter papers were collected and analyzed by indirect ELISA for antibodies directed to ASF virus. Out of 275 sera analyzed, 13 (4.72%) have had antibodies directed to ASF virus. No sample taken from filter papers was positive vis-a-vis ASF virus. The study identified 4.72% animals carrying ASF virus. Given these results, we can say that ASF virus still circulates in some areas of the country. The areas where sera were positive should be admitted to the extent control of ASF by implementing the strategy of stamping out.It would also be preferable to undertake another large-scale serological study coupled with active surveillance to show that indeed there is no circulation of ASF virus in the country.