7. RESEARCH GAPS
The most significant knowledge gaps in the prevention and control of ASF are (i) correlation of wild boar and ASF occurrence (ii) ASFV survival and transmission (iii) Biosecurity and (iv) Surveillance (Alvarez et al., 2019).To control ASF in countries where the wild-boar habitat cycle persists, estimation of wild-boar population in an area, correlation between wild-boar and ASF occurrence, mechanism of ASFV spread and persistence in the wild-boar population and host to host transmission is required to be critically analysed. With relation to ASFV survival and transmission, the role of vectors (Soft ticks/biting flies) needs to be further investigated (particularly in Indian scenario). Biosecurity measure is another significant gap in developing countries where pig production is a major source of economy. Livestock owners and farmers in villages and remote areas are not aware of biosecurity measures and being unable to identify the most effective measure for preventing infectious animal diseases bears severe economic loss. In such situations, veterinarians and para-veterinarians need to play a leading role to strengthen the veterinary services by educating the livestock owners about the disease and its prevention as well as should carry on consistent awareness programmes on infectious disease management. Surveillance is another research gap with respect to ASF prevention and control and is considered as a high priority. To avoid or to limit future outbreaks a strategic plan for control of ASF will be required for which we presume integrated (active and passive) surveillance is required as soon as possible. The major research gaps in ASF prevention are appropriately described by a study carried out by Alvarez and co-workers (Alvarez et al., 2019). Apart from the mentioned research gaps identified for ASF, unavailability of a vaccine till date makes the diseases difficult to control and once the disease is introduced into a pig population, culling of animals remain the only effective disease control option.