September 30, 2009
Russia fears new African swine fever outbreaks
The Russian veterinary service fears new outbreaks of African swine fever in Russia which has recently been carried to the country from the neighbouring southern territories, in particular Georgia.
According to Russian scientists, African swine fever currently as remains one of the most dangerous livestock diseases in the world due to the damage that it can cause to the agricultural and meat industries.
Meanwhile, the disease may become a threat also to the EU, while the main source of the virus could be the Baltic countries – new members of EU.
In recent years, several cases dangerous disease outbreaks have been registered there, however, fortunately, it did not result in any epidemics.
Currently the EU fears a repetition of the last year's situation in Georgia, where nearly one month African swine fever had destroyed almost all the country's pig population.
