June 26, 2024

Latvia confirms first domestic case of ASF in 2024

African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in domestic swine in Latvia for the first time this year, Farm Journal's Pork reported.

The virus has been circulating widely among Latvia's wild swine population. In the first half of 2024, ASF was detected in 601 wild swine, and this number is expected to rise rapidly. In 2023, more than 1,000 wild swine were confirmed to have ASF.

ASF was recently detected in domestic swine at a farm in Matisi parish, located in Valmiera municipality. The disease was found in a small commercial operation with 527 swine.

This marks the first case of ASF detected in domestic swine holdings in Latvia this year, as confirmed by the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD).

The PVD is implementing eradication and containment measures, including epidemiological investigations. All swine on the affected farm will be slaughtered to eliminate the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.

A quarantine zone has been established around the farm, and other farms in the area will be subject to surveillance and required to comply with biosecurity measures. Restrictions on the movement of swine and swine products have been imposed within the quarantine zone.

-      Farm Journal's Pork