September 5, 2007

Russia confirms swine fever in southern regions

Swine fever has been reported in pigs in the village of Shturm in Stavropol Territory's Krasnogvardeyskiy District, the region's Emergencies Ministry's Southern regional centre told RIA Novosti.

Three pigs on a farm died from the disease 28 August while another 168 have been found with symptoms of swine fever.

Test results arrived yesterday (Sep 4) from the Stavropol interregional veterinary laboratory confirming classic [swine] fever in the animals, the press service representative said.

So far, 452 pigs have been destroyed and incinerated, while 180 have been vaccinated.

Russian authorities have been alarmed by swine fever cases in its neighbours Georgia and Armenia and previously called on authorities there to stop farmers from dumping infected carcasses into rivers which flow into Russia. It has also banned meat imports from both countries.