In September 2018, African swine fever in wild boars was detected in Belgium. We used African swine fever-infected spleen samples to perform a phylogenetic analysis of the virus. The causative strain belongs to genotype II, and its closest relatives are viruses previously isolated in Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, and European Russia.

We analyzed the whole-genome sequence of African swine fever virus Belgium 2018/1. The strain fits into the European genotype II (>99.98% identity). The high-coverage sequence revealed 15 differences compared with an improved virus African swine fever virus Georgia 2007/1 sequence. However, in the absence of genetic markers, no spatial or temporal correlations could be defined.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most important pathogens in pig production worldwide and responsible for enormous production and economic losses. PRRSV infection in gestating gilts and sows induces important reproductive failure. Additionally, respiratory distress is observed in infected piglets and fattening pigs, resulting in growth retardation and increased mortality. Importantly, PRRSV infection interferes with immunity in the respiratory tract, making PRRSV-infected pigs more susceptible to opportunistic secondary pathogens. Despite the availability of commercial PRRSV vaccines for more than three decades, control of the disease remains a frustrating and challenging task. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of PRRSV, covering its history, economic and scientific importance, and description of the viral structure and genetic diversity. It explores the virus’s pathogenesis, including cell tropism, viral entry, replication, stages of infection and epidemiology. It reviews the porcine innate and adaptative immune responses to comprehend the modulation mechanisms employed by PRRS for immune evasion.