Farming Practices, Biosecurity Gaps, and Genetic Insights into African Swine Fever Virus in the Iringa and Ruvuma Regions of Tanzania.

African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) genotype II dominates outbreaks in Tanzania's Southern Highlands, continuing to persist as the dominant strain over a decade after its first incursion in 2010. A total of 205 samples from 120 holdings were collected, with 21 confirmed ASFV-positive animals from 14 holdings. Molecular analysis revealed genetic uniformity among isolates, all clustering within ASFV genotype II. Poor biosecurity measures, such as feeding of untreated swill (80% of holdings) and lack of restrictions on visitors (90% of holdings), were identified as risk factors. Additionally, co-infection with porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) further complicates disease management. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity and farmer education to mitigate ASFV outbreaks in endemic regions.