June 18, 2014

Colombia reports swine fever outbreaks during April 2014

Three fresh outbreaks of classical swine fever have been reported in the north of Colombia during April 2014.

The incidents occurred in small backyard pig herds.

The veterinary authority has send a report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) which outlines three outbreaks of classical swine fever starting between April 11 and April 27 in the regions of Cesar, Magdalena and Bolivar. 60 pigs were affected in total, with 25 showing symptoms and the death of 12 more. In each outbreak, vaccination had ceased some time before the incidents.

According to the report, active epidemiological surveillance is carried out exhaustively in a 5-km radius zone around the outbreak and in a 5-km surveillance zone. Daily follow-up inspections are done and no other sick animals have been found in the monitored areas. Vaccination has forbidden in this zone since May 31, 2013.