November 17, 2011

Guatemala reports classical swine fever

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has announced the outbreak of classical swine fever, also known as hog cholera following a report made by a private veterinarian authorised by the official veterinary services.

The OIE received an immediate notification on Sunday, November 13, stating that the outbreak occurred at a farm with biosecurity measures located in a rural area. According to the report, the outbreak is limited to this farm (Farm Chuito), located in the city of Sacatepéquez.

A total of 16,130 pigs were found susceptible to the outbreak, out of which 29 cases were identified. While 18 deaths were recorded, 16,112 animals were destroyed. No further cases have been observed.

OIE informs that epidemiological surveillance is ongoing at a national level. The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.