A Long-Term Study of the Biological Properties of ASF Virus Isolates Originating from Various Regions of the Russian Federation in 2013–2018

Abstract

Biological properties of the African swine fever (ASF) virus isolates originating from various regions of the Russian Federation (2013–2018) were studied in a series of experimental infections. Comparative analysis allowed us to establish the differences in the key characteristics of the infection, such us the duration of the incubation periods, disease, and the onset of death. The incubation period averaged 4.1 days, varying from 1 to 13 days. An average duration of the disease was 6.3 days and varied from 0 to 18 days. Overall case fatality was 94.5%, and antibodies were detected only in 19.3% of the animals. The biological properties of isolates Odintsovo 02/14 and Lipetsk 12/16 were significantly different from others. For this two, the presence of antibodies to the virus was detected in 71.4% and 75% of animals respectively and mortality levels were of 87.5% and 50%.