International researchers have developed a reverse genetics system aimed at accelerating vaccine development for African swine fever virus (ASFV), a disease that has devastated the global pork industry. The study, titled “A Synthetic Genomics-Based African Swine Fever Virus Engineering Platform,” was conducted between 2018 and 2024 by scientists from the Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and other institutions.
Hussein Abkallo, a researcher at ILRI, described the breakthrough as a crucial step toward finding effective solutions to combat the highly contagious and deadly disease. The virus has inflicted severe economic losses, amounting to billions of dollars globally, and continues to threaten food security and the livelihoods of small-scale pig farmers. The impact is particularly severe in Africa, where multiple genotypes of the virus circulate, and biosecurity measures are often inadequate to control outbreaks.
The researchers emphasized that the newly developed model provides a foundation for designing targeted vaccines, which could not only reduce pig mortality rates but also lessen the environmental footprint of the livestock industry by preventing unnecessary losses. Unlike classical approaches, this innovative system allows scientists to manipulate the virus at a genetic level, opening doors for more precise vaccine development.
Lead researcher Sanjay Vashee stated that the study contributes to a deeper understanding of ASFV and has broader applications for combating other emerging viral threats. He noted that controlling the disease would be a game-changer for the global pork industry, which has suffered from major disruptions due to ASFV outbreaks. The virus, which affects domestic pigs, spreads rapidly and has no widely available vaccine or treatment, making prevention the only effective strategy.
African swine fever remains a critical challenge for pig farmers worldwide, with outbreaks leading to mass culling and trade restrictions. Efforts to develop vaccines have been hindered by the complexity of the virus, which has a large DNA genome compared to other animal viruses. However, with the new genetic engineering platform, scientists are optimistic that an effective vaccine can be formulated in the near future.
The study’s findings provide renewed hope for the global swine industry, particularly in regions where ASFV is endemic. As vaccine research progresses, experts stress the importance of continued investment in disease surveillance, improved biosecurity measures, and collaboration between scientists, governments, and the private sector. If successful, the breakthrough could mark a turning point in the fight against one of the most destructive diseases affecting livestock today.
