Wataru Yamazaki, Professor of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) has developed a highly sensitive method for detecting African swine fever virus (ASFV) in pig oral fluid through collaborative research with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture and University of Miyazaki. The new method is up to 100 times more sensitive than conventional ones. In a field evaluation in northern Vietnam, out of 68 samples, the conventional real-time PCR detected nine positive cases (13.2%), while the new method identified 23 positive cases (33.8%). Additionally, improved sensitivity was observed using the real-time LAMP method. This method enables simple and highly sensitive detection, demonstrating its effectiveness as an early diagnostic tool for preventing the spread of the disease.

The results of this study were published in Scientific Reports on July 30, 2025.

Comment from the Author

African swine fever (ASF) is a serious epidemic in Southeast Asia, with small-scale pig farmers suffering particularly severe damage. In Vietnam, farms with 10 or fewer pigs account for about 90% of the total, and inadequate infection control measures are one of the factors contributing to the spread of the disease. Many farmers have lost their livelihoods due to mass deaths and culling of pigs, facing not only economic losses but also mental distress.

In collaboration with Vietnam National University of Agriculture and University of Miyazaki, we have developed an ASF diagnostic method that is approximately 100 times more sensitive than conventional methods. This new method enables early detection using oral fluids, even at low viral levels, before the onset of symptoms. The positive detection rate using the new method has improved to approximately 2.5 times that of conventional methods. Oral fluids can be collected in large quantities in a simple and non-invasive manner compared to blood, making it a sampling method suitable for local conditions. We will continue to work closely with local communities to prevent the spread of the disease and implement social measures. (Wataru Yamazaki)

Researcher

Wataru Yamazaki　Activity Database on Education and Research, Kyoto University

Publication Information

Media Exposure

“New rapid test for ASF in development in Japan,” Feed Strategy, August 28, 2025.

Contact

<About the paper>
Wataru Yamazaki, Professor, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University
E-mail: yamazaki [at] cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp (Replace [at] with @

<About the publicity>
Public Relations Committee, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University
Contact form: https://bit.ly/4dAtaj9