Prospects of molecular immunology and genetic engineering in control of African swine fever (review)

The basic molecular and biological properties of the African swine fever (ASF) virus and the methods used to diagnose the disease it causes are considered, particularly, a real time PCR and detection of antibodies. The failure to create a vaccine stimulated the development of a diagnostic methodology which has helped the countries not free from ASF to eliminate it completely on their territories. Analysis of the biological properties of the ASF virus promotes the study of the causes of its high pathogenicity and further progress in genetic engineering with the aim to create protective agents and a recombinant vaccine against ASF. The main measures are suggested to combat the ASF in the Russian Federation.