History of African swine fever (ASFV) outbreaks
The first outbreak was recorded in domestic pigs in East Africa (Kenya) in 1920, followed by a similar outbreak in South Africa in 1926. Subsequent cases were reported in Angola (1932), northern Mozambique (1954), and most countries in Central and Southern Africa. The disease later spread to West Africa, including Senegal (1978, OIE) and Guinea-Bissau (1959). Since 1978, at least 26 African countries have officially reported cases of African swine fever.

African Swine Fever (ASF) is the most widespread and devastating disease in the pig industry. The transmission routes of this virus are very diverse, they can be transmitted directly through the nose-mouth, gastrointestinal tract, from mother to child, or can be transmitted indirectly through blankets. Farms are exposed to viruses, as well as insects and vehicles.
In addition to its rapid transmission rate, African swine fever virus (ASFV), once introduced, induces severe clinical symptoms in infected pigs, including high fever, anorexia, bloody diarrhea, abortion, cutaneous hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, splenomegaly, and other critical manifestations. The virus can also persist for several months in processed pork products, posing potential risks to consumer health.
Introduction of TopSPEC® ASFV qPCR Kit
Types of samples used:
- Specimens from spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, kidneys from pigs: ground into a 10% suspension with sterile physiological water solution or PBS. Then centrifuge at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes. Collecting the supernatant can be used to diagnose and detect African swine fever virus using qPCR reaction.
- Whole blood sample: blood is collected in a specialized tube containing anticoagulant (do not use a tube containing heparin because it will inhibit the reaction).
- Serum: Take 3 mL of blood into a tube (does not contain EDTA and heparin anticoagulants). Then, separate the serum by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes. The serum is then transferred into the tube
- Swab samples environment, tools, vehicles,…
TopSPEC® ASFV qPCR Kit is a diagnostic tool designed to detect the presence of African swine fever virus (ASFV) – specifically the Vp72 gene – in pig herds and farming environments. Early detection of the pathogen is critical for preventing the severe consequences associated with ASFV outbreaks.
Highlight
- Simple procedure
- Optimize the PCR time to 1.5 hours.
- Various input sample types
- High specificity and sensitivity
Specification
| Targets | African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) – gene Vp72 |
| Sample types | Specimens from spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, kidneys; whole blood, serum |
| Input sample volume | 200 µL |
| DNA volume | 5 µL |
| Color channel detection | FAM: Vp72 gene of ASFV HEX: internal control |
| Technology | TaqMan probe |
| PCR time | 1.5h |
| Specificity | Only ASFV is detected |
| Component | ASFV qPCR Mix, Negative control, Positive control, Internal control (IC), PCR tube |
| Storage | 12 months at -20oC |
Recommended extraction kit
TopPURE® Blood DNA Extraction Kit
TopPURE® Serum Viral DNA/RNA Co-Extraction Kit
TopPURE® Genomic DNA Extraction Kit
Read more: Instructional Video for Qualitative Real-time PCR Kit







