How is African swine fever transmitted?

• A. Direct contact
• B. Indirectly via fomites
• C. Through vectors
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Transmission of African swine fever occurs through multiple routes. Direct contact between infected and susceptible pigs allows the virus to pass through secretions, excretions, or close interactions. Indirect transmission happens when the virus is carried on fomites—contaminated equipment, clothing, vehicles, or environment that come into contact with pigs. In some regions, soft ticks of Ornithodoros species serve as biological vectors, maintaining the virus in a tick–pig cycle and spreading infection when ticks feed. The virus can also persist in meat and pork products, enabling spread through contaminated swill or imported meat. Because it can be transmitted by all of these routes, all of the above is the best answer.