September 26, 2003

Denmark Suspected With Swine Fever Case 

A Danish slaughterhouse in Blans, Denmark, was shut down Wednesday because of a suspected case of swine fever, according to a report on the company's website, but initial tests have pointed to a false alarm.

Crown's slaughterhouse found a pig was dead on arrival, whereupon veterinarian tests confirmed that its showed some symptoms of swine fever, the company's website report stated. AS the pig's inner organs showed signs of swine fever also, the authorities decided to close the slaughterhouse.

But evidence of the disease remains inconclusive as follow-up tests of samples from the herd showed negative results, thus the likelihood of a false alarm, the company said.

This is not the first time in recent months that Danish Crown has been hit by swine fever scares like this. Swine fever shares similar symptoms with other diseases.

The suspected herd, however has been quarantined, and special measures put in place to avoid any possible spread, including the laying off of some employees. Further tests are being conducted, and the results are to be revealed 39-40 hours after testing.