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Advances in african swine fever research

Guest Editor

Scott Kenney, PhD, Ohio State University, U.S.

BMC Veterinary Research called for submissions to our Collection on Advances in African swine fever research. African Swine Fever (ASF) remains a significant concern for the global swine industry, impacting animal health and food security. Yet, recent breakthroughs in research bring hope in the fight against this harmful virus. This collection aimed to be a comprehensive platform for the latest updates in ASF research, knowledge, and innovation.



New Content ItemThis Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG # 2: “Zero Hunger,” # 3 - “Good Health and Well-Being,” and # 15 - “Life on Land.” 


Meet the Guest Editor

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Scott Kenney, PhD, Ohio State University, U.S.

Dr Scott Kenney is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, Department of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Preventive Medicine, United States. Dr Kenney is a molecular virologist focusing on virus/host interactions of emerging infectious diseases of livestock and poultry and pathogens with zoonotic potential.  He does a multitude of research using agricultural and laboratory animal models, including rational vaccine design and testing and experiments to understand host transmission factors.

About the Collection

BMC Veterinary Research called for submissions to our Collection on Advances in African swine fever research. 

African Swine Fever (ASF) remains a significant concern for the global swine industry, impacting animal health and food security. Yet, recent breakthroughs in research bring hope in the fight against this harmful virus.

Scientists have made impressive progress in understanding ASF, decoding its genomic secrets, and finding effective control methods. Identifying key viral proteins and creating new diagnostic tools has empowered veterinarians and farmers to detect and manage outbreaks more efficiently. Progress in vaccine development also shows promise for proactive prevention rather than reactive containment.

Despite these advances, challenges persist. The virus's ability to mutate and evade traditional controls requires ongoing vigilance. Future research needs to explore the dynamics of ASF transmission, host-pathogen interactions, and the socio-economic factors influencing its spread.

International collaboration is crucial in establishing a united front against ASF. Research is now underway, focusing on refining tools, developing stronger vaccines, and exploring innovative strategies to break the transmission cycle. Addressing socio-economic aspects of swine farming and implementing biosecurity measures will also be crucial in preventing future outbreaks.

With these considerations, this collection aimed to be a comprehensive platform for the latest updates in ASF research, knowledge, and innovation. We welcomed contributions from both established researchers and emerging experts in the following areas:

  • Epidemiology and Surveillance: Papers that explore the current global epidemiological landscape, surveillance methods, and modeling approaches for tracking the spread of ASF.
  • Pathogenesis and Immunology: Investigative studies on the molecular and immunological aspects of ASF, offering insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Vaccine Development: Research focusing on the development of effective ASF vaccines, including novel approaches and immunization strategies.
  • Diagnosis and Detection: Articles presenting innovative diagnostic tools and techniques for the rapid and accurate identification of ASF.
  • Wildlife Reservoirs and Interactions: Studies examining the role of wild and feral pigs in ASF transmission, as well as interactions with other susceptible and resistant wildlife species.
  • Control and Management: Contributions discussing control strategies, biosecurity measures, and management practices to prevent and control ASF outbreaks.
  • Socioeconomic and Policy Aspects: Research exploring the socioeconomic and policy implications of ASF, including its impact on trade, livelihoods, and the global pork industry.

We invited researchers to submit their articles that align with the scope of this collection. 

Image credit: lightpoet / stock.adobe.com

  1. African swine fever (ASF), a devastating viral disease of pigs, is one of the main hindrances to pig farming in sub-Saharan Africa. Sporadic outbreaks of the disease occur annually in various regions of Uganda...

    Authors: Mathias Afayoa, Lonzy Ojok and Julius Boniface Okuni
    Citation: BMC Veterinary Research 2025 21:281
    Content type: Research Published on:

  2. Increasingly exposed to emerging sanitary risks, extensive livestock farming systems are confronted with the imperative of incorporating biosecurity measures in their production models in order to limit the ri...

    Authors: Theo Loeillot, Marie Gisclard, Bastien Trabucco, François Charrier, Ferran Jori, Nicolas Antoine-Moussiaux and Alexis Delabouglise
    Citation: BMC Veterinary Research 2025 21:69
    Content type: Research Published on:

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp . During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Advances in african swine fever research" from the dropdown menu.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all of the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.