PVD informs: African swine fever virus detected in wild and domestic pigs in Latvia

The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD), conducting intensified laboratory tests of domestic and wild pigs, has determined that the presence of the African swine fever (ASF) virus has been confirmed in 3 wild pigs in the Latvian border area, a few meters from the border with Belarus. The presence of ASF has also been confirmed in 3 domestic pigs on a farm in Krāslava municipality, 6 km from the border with Belarus. Currently, 3 more dead wild pigs found are being tested in the laboratory.

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The State Border Guard informed the FSS about the dead wild boars found near the border. FSS inspectors immediately went to the indicated location, took samples for laboratory examination and disposed of the wild boar carcasses by burning them.

After the disease was discovered, the PVD immediately began implementing disease control measures, establishing quarantine zones to prevent further spread of the disease.

A protection zone has been established within a three-kilometer radius around the affected facility, and a surveillance zone within a ten-kilometer radius. The health status of domestic and wild pigs is being monitored in these areas. The movement of animal transport vehicles will also be monitored in the quarantine zones.

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In the protection and surveillance zone:

1. The PVD has started inspecting all farms where pigs are kept and taking blood samples from pigs for laboratory examination. Pig owners must immediately inform the PVD about sick or dead pigs!

2. It is prohibited to move pigs from farm to farm, as well as to take pigs and pork out of the protection zone for at least 40 days after disinfection of the affected farm.

3. Other pets may not be moved without the permission of a PVD inspector.

4. After transporting pigs and potentially infected materials, vehicles must be disinfected immediately. Only disinfected vehicles may leave the protection zone.

5. Any person entering or leaving a farm in the protection zone where pigs are kept must comply with biosecurity measures – use disposable clothing and disinfect shoes and hands.

Since the ASF cases have been detected in an area that has been designated as a classical swine fever infected area since 2012 and which already has trade restrictions in place for live pigs and pork, additional restrictions within the EU are unlikely, but it is difficult to predict the reaction of third countries.

The PVD reminds that African swine fever is a dangerous, highly contagious viral disease in pigs. The entire herd in the animal housing where the disease is detected must be slaughtered, therefore an outbreak of this disease causes great economic losses for animal keepers. African swine fever is not dangerous to humans.

We would like to remind you that all pig keepers must register their holdings and pigs with the Agricultural Data Center, as well as regularly report the number of pigs kept. We ask all those who have not done so to immediately send the necessary information or contact the specialists of the Agricultural Data Center. In the event of a disease being detected, those who have not registered their pigs will not be able to claim compensation for losses.

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The PVS calls on:

– hunters must report to a veterinarian or the PVD administration every dead or suspicious wild boar. All costs of investigating suspicious cases are covered by the PVD;

– We urge you to report any case of illness or death of a pig to the PVD and the attending veterinarian! Quick and responsible actions by the owner can protect other animal shelters from ASF, therefore the PVD reminds you that if pigs look unhealthy, you should immediately inform the veterinarian and/or the PVD office in your region.

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PVD recommendations for domestic pig keepers:

The PVD calls on domestic pig keepers, especially those living in the Latgale region, to register their pigs, monitor their health status, and immediately notify a veterinarian if the pigs appear unhealthy or die.

The pathogen can be transmitted from one facility to another through contaminated feed, water, equipment, clothing, and vehicles, as well as uncooked kitchen scraps containing pork.

To protect domestic pigs from African swine fever and classical swine fever, the PVD reminds:

1. Pigs must be kept indoors; they must not be allowed to come into contact with wild boars.

2. Pigs must not be fed with meat scraps from hunted wild boars and kitchen waste.

3. No unauthorized persons should be allowed into the pig house or disposable clothing should be taken care of.

4. Clothing worn while hunting should not be worn when tending pigs.

5. Disinfection mats must be placed at the entrance to the premises.

6. Deratization should be carried out regularly.

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Link to PVD informative video material and current information on the PVD website www.pvd.gov.lv

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Head of Public Relations at the PVD
Anna Joffe