August 3, 2018

The biggest swine fever outbreak in Latvia, since 2014
 

More than 15,500 pigs at the Druvas Unguri farm in Saldus, Western Latviahave been affected by the African swine fever on Thursday, reported the local news media.

The widespread swine epidemic was recorded as the most major for Latvia since the diseasehit the country for the first time in 2014.

According to the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service, specialists have been sent to the affected farm to put in place preventive measures and the company in charge of raising the pigs has suspended operations.

A quarantine zone of 10kmhas been designated around the farm while biosafety requirements and inspections will be stepped up within the territory. Controls over transport vehicles, especially those transporting animals and meat products, will also be increased.

The Food and Veterinary Service noted that the swine disease has continued to spread to Latvia's wild boar population, with 666 cases recorded so far.

Documented as the eighth outbreak in domestic pigs in Latvia this year, the cause for the swine plague is still under epidemiological investigation before a concrete statement can be issued.

An urgent cabinet meeting will take place on Friday, where the Latvian government will decide on the further measures to be taken to curb the disease from spreading.