April 18, 2013

Pig deaths in Russian farm may be caused by swine fever

About 25 pigs are reported dead at a farm in the Republic of Udmurtia, central Russia.

According to preliminary analyses, the cause of death may be Classical Swine Fever.

Experts suggest that the contamination and the death of animals could be as a result of a low-quality vaccine.

"Farmers often use cheap vaccines against Classical Swine Fever in Russia. In the past, there were a number of cases when it resulted in the deaths of pigs, especially when they have poor feed rations and a weak immune system," said Russian agricultural analyst, Eugen Gerden.