What is the latest on the swine fever outbreak at a Latvian farm?
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Synopsis
A recent outbreak of African swine fever at a Latvian pig farm has raised alarms as over 23,000 pigs face culling. This marks the eighth case of ASF in Latvia this year. What does this mean for the pig industry and global food supply? Discover the implications of this serious disease and efforts to combat its spread.
Key Takeaways
- Over 23,300 pigs will be culled to contain the outbreak.
- A quarantine zone has been established to restrict movement of pigs.
- This is the eighth ASF outbreak in Latvia this year.
- The disease has a mortality rate of up to 100%.
- Vaccines are being developed but are not yet widely available.
Riga, Sep 2 (NationPress) African swine fever (ASF) has been identified at a significant pig farming operation in Laubere parish, located in central Latvia, as reported by the nation's veterinary authority.
In an effort to manage the outbreak, over 23,300 pigs at the Baltic Pork farm are set to be culled. A quarantine area has been established, limiting the movement of pigs and their products, while nearby farms are undergoing health assessments and biosafety inspections.
According to Daiga Lubka, a spokesperson for Baltic Pork, it is premature to evaluate the total impact and financial losses.
This incident marks the eighth ASF outbreak among domestic pigs in Latvia this year. The disease was first recognized in the country in 2014 and primarily spreads among wild boars, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
ASF is an extremely contagious and severe hemorrhagic illness affecting pigs, producing various clinical signs and lesions that can closely mimic those of classical swine fever. The African swine fever virus (ASFV) has a case fatality rate of up to 100% in both domestic pigs and wild boars. The virus is endemic in numerous African nations, where it persists in the environment through a sylvatic cycle involving warthogs and Ornithodoros (soft) ticks. ASFV was first transmitted from Africa to Georgia in 2007, and since then has spread to several countries across central and eastern Europe, Russia, Asia (including China, which produces over half of the world’s pork), and the Americas (specifically Haiti and the Dominican Republic).
This outbreak has resulted in the death and slaughter of millions of pigs, posing a significant threat to the global pig industry. Vaccines demonstrating strong safety and efficacy have been developed and are currently being licensed for use in certain regions.
Previously, ASF was thought to be limited to sub-Saharan Africa until 1957, when an outbreak occurred in Portugal due to waste from airline flights being fed to pigs near Lisbon airport. Another case of ASF in Portugal was documented in 1960. The disease remained endemic on the Iberian Peninsula until the mid-1990s.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this matter with a clear understanding of its impact on public health, the agricultural sector, and the economy. The emergence of African swine fever in Latvia underscores the ongoing challenges faced by farmers and regulatory authorities in managing disease outbreaks. Timely and accurate reporting is essential to inform the public and stakeholders of the necessary precautions and actions being taken.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is African swine fever?
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs, characterized by high mortality rates of up to 100%.
How does ASF spread?
ASF spreads primarily through direct contact between pigs and can also be transmitted via contaminated feed, equipment, and the environment.
What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
In response to the outbreak, authorities are culling infected pigs, establishing quarantine zones, and conducting health assessments on nearby farms.
What are the economic impacts of ASF?
ASF outbreaks can lead to significant financial losses for farmers and the pig industry, affecting pork supply and prices globally.
Is there a vaccine for ASF?
While vaccines are being developed and licensed in some countries, effective prevention and control measures are still in the early stages.
