First Outbreak of African Swine Fever in Wild Boar in Nepal

This case report documents the first confirmed outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Nepal. The case was identified in a wild boar carcass found in Shuklaphanta National Park in February 2023. Post-mortem findings, including splenomegaly, haemorrhagic lymph nodes and congested organs, were suggestive of ASF, which was confirmed by real-time PCR. Epidemiological evidence indicates potential transmission from nearby ASF-infected domestic pigs. This case underscores the critical need for rigorous biosecurity protocols, comprehensive surveillance and targeted wildlife management strategies to prevent further transmission between domestic pig and wild boar populations. We report the first confirmed African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Nepal, identified in Shuklaphanta National Park in February 2023. Post-mortem examination revealed splenomegaly and haemorrhagic lymph nodes, and real-time PCR confirmed ASF. Likely transmission from nearby infected domestic pigs highlights the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity, surveillance and wildlife management to prevent further spread between wild boar and domestic pigs. image