Japanese researchers pioneer rapid ASF test, South Korea reports new outbreak

JAPAN – Researchers in Japan have developed a new method to improve the detection of African swine fever (ASF), a breakthrough that could pave the way for rapid test kits.

A Kyoto University team reported that adapting a technique originally used to concentrate norovirus from oysters increased the sensitivity of ASF virus detection in oral fluid samples by 100-fold compared to conventional methods. The findings were published in a recent study.

Standard ASF tests typically require blood samples, since the virus circulates in higher concentrations in blood than in other bodily fluids. 

The new Japanese approach instead uses 10 millilitres of oral fluid per test, far more than the 50–200 microliters used in comparable tests, striking a balance between accuracy and practicality.

To collect samples, researchers in Vietnam placed ropes inside pig pens and allowed infected pigs to chew on them. This method, explained Kyoto University professor Wataru Yamazaki, enabled the team to gather sufficient oral fluid for testing while avoiding invasive procedures.

While the test itself is low-cost, the concentration process currently takes about an hour and requires laboratory equipment, Yamazaki said. “The cost for this laboratory time could vary depending on the local cost of labour, which could limit the accessibility of the test,” he added.

Toward farm-friendly kits

The research team is now working to refine the method, aiming to cut processing time to 10–15 minutes. Their ultimate goal is to develop commercial test kits that farmers could use directly on-site for rapid results.

In the meantime, Yamazaki said his team will collaborate with researchers in Vietnam and the Philippines to screen pigs using the new concentration method. He emphasised that while vaccine development should remain a top global priority, faster and more accurate diagnostics are equally critical for controlling ASF. 

“Access to faster and more accurate diagnostic tools should help prevent the virus from spreading to new regions by allowing authorities to respond to new outbreaks quickly,” he said.

Fresh outbreak in South Korea

Meanwhile, South Korea has reported a fresh ASF outbreak, the first in about two months. 

According to Seoul-based Yonhap News, the virus was confirmed at a pig farm in Yeoncheon county, Gyeonggi province.

Authorities immediately launched emergency quarantine measures, including the culling of all pigs at the affected farm, in line with standing operating procedures. 

The Central Disaster Management Headquarters also issued a 48-hour standstill order for pig farms and related facilities in Yeoncheon and surrounding areas.

ASF does not affect humans but is lethal to pigs, causing severe losses for farmers. With no available vaccine or cure, containment relies heavily on testing, culling, and movement restrictions.

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