Experimental models of ecological niches for African swine fever virus

•Ecological niches for ASFV.•Invertebrates as experimental models.•ASFV survival. In this study, we investigated the possible biological factors affecting the survival of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) in the environment and their potential to influence the ecology of the ASFV. Specifically, we tested the survival and replication of ASFV in four phylogenetically distinct organisms: Paramecium caudatum, Dendrobaena alpine, Aedes aegypti andXeropicta derbentina using qReal-Time PCR and hemadsorbtion analysis. Levels of ASFV in earthworms (Dendrobaena alpina) and soil declined at similar rates, suggesting that earthworms likely have no influence on the ecology of the ASFV. Ciliates (Paramecium caudatum) significantly increase the rate of ASFV disappearance from the aquatic environment, probably using the virus as a food source. Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) do not provide significant support for the persistence of ASF virus in the environment, with no evidence for transmission to their offspring or pigs that ingested mosquitoes. ASFV persisted for much longer in air-breathing land snails (Xeropicta derbentina) than in the soil. Moreover, transcription of viral genes was maintained within the snail, although the question of full-fledged viral replication is still open. In addition, the active movements of snails suggests that they could play a role in the spread of the virus. The virus is likely to be localized in the intestines of snails as it is regularly excreted from their feces. These results highlight the importance of investigating invertebrates for understanding ASFV surviving, spreading and transmission in natural populations with zoonotic transmission potential.