Accurate classification of viruses is paramount for epidemiological investigations and the development of cost-effective countermeasures, including designing vaccines for unique strains of ASFV. Researchers have reclassified the number of African swine fever virus strains from 25 to only six unique genotypes.
Reclassifying ASFV from 25 to 6 genotypes is important . . . it may reduce the number of vaccines previously thought to be needed to protect against all ASFV genotypes.”
Source: National Hog Farmer, November 13, 2023. Link. The ASFV virus is causing profound economic losses to the global swine industry but to date there have not been any outbreaks in the United States. The virus is unable to transmit from pigs to humans.