July 25, 2014    

Lithuania: Swine fever detected, 20,000 pigs to be slaughtered

Lithuanian authorities has ordered the slaughter of 19,400 pigs at one of the country's largest farms as an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the region spreads, Reuters reports.

It was first case of ASF to be detected in farm pigs in Lithuania, Chief Veterinary Officer Jonas Milius said.

Latvia, which has also been hit by ASF, has suspended imports of Lithuanian raw pork and pork products.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health there is still no effective vaccine for ASF, but the disease is harmless to humans.