Final answer:
It is most likely that African swine fever will increase its infectious range due to factors like global climate change, the expanding range of disease-carrying insects, and globalization. Therefore, the correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
If trends continue, it is most likely that African swine fever will increase its infectious range. This conclusion is drawn from observations in the spread of diseases in relation to global climate change and heightened interactions due to globalization. As the global temperature rises, the range of disease-carrying insects expands, leading to new regions being exposed to diseases. This rise in temperatures can also increase the lifecycles of these insects, cause them to breed and multiply faster, and potentially evolve resistance to pesticides more rapidly. Furthermore, increased travel and the movement of people can lead to diseases like African swine fever being introduced to new areas. History shows that diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever have spread due to similar factors, suggesting a likely trend for African swine fever to follow.