Chinese researchers isolate African swine fever virus

Chinese researchers have successfully isolated an African swine fever virus, which could contribute to more knowledge of the organism, and may also lead to new methods for prevention and control, according to a research institute in northeastern China.

The virus, called Pig/HLJ/18, was isolated from a sample taken from an animal at a farm hit by an African swine fever outbreak last year in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang province.

Studies showed that the virus is virulent and transmissible among domestic pigs, the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute said in a statement over the weekend.