July 19, 2023

ASF detected in Latvian swine farm housing 48 pigs

Latvian Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has reported the discovery of African swine fever (AF) in a farm housing 48 swine located in Robeznieki Parish, Kraslava County, Baltic News Network reported.

Prompt action has been taken, with epidemiological and preventive measures underway at the affected enclosure. To contain the infection and prevent further spread, all 48 swine in the farm will be culled.

In response to the outbreak, a quarantine zone has been established around the area. PVD is closely monitoring the health of domestic pigs in other farms within this zone and ensuring compliance with strict bio-security requirements. Farmers within the quarantine area are prohibited from moving their livestock to other farms or transporting pigs and pork outside the designated zone.

This marks the fourth confirmed ASF outbreak in Latvia. The initial case was reported on June 27 in Gulbene, followed by two more cases on July 14 and 15 in Madona.

Due to the rapid spread of ASF, any affected farm must cull all swine on the premises. Establishing quarantine zones around affected farms is also a precautionary measure.

As of now, ASF has been confirmed in 301 wild boars across 23 Latvian counties this year.

-      Baltic News Network