Another swine fever outbreak detected in Latvia

The PVD is carrying out eradication and containment measures, as well as epidemiological investigations in the affected holding. All pigs in the holding will be eliminated to eradicate the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.

A quarantine zone has been established around the ASF-affected holding. In this area, the PVD will intensify checks on the health status of pigs and on compliance with biosecurity requirements. Restrictions on the movement of pigs and pig products have been imposed in the quarantine zones.

The PVD noted that the greatest threat to the lives of domestic pigs is posed by ASF-infected wild boar. The wild boar population in Latvia has recovered rapidly and the virus is spreading widely in flocks of young boar. The ASF virus is naturally circulating in the surrounding environment - forests, grasslands, and fields.

This year, 1,021 wild boar have already been diagnosed with ASF in Latvia. This is more than in the whole of last year, when 1,002 wild boars were diagnosed with ASF.

The only thing that can protect domestic pigs from contracting this deadly virus is strict biosecurity on the farm.