African swine fever forces large-scale pig cull in Kuldīga district

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An outbreak of African swine fever in Latvia has been detected in a domestic pig shed in Rudbāržu parish, Kuldīga district. In order to eliminate the focus of the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease, more than 1,500 pigs will be culled, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) said July 8.

In keeping with previous outbreaks, a quarantine zone has been established around the African swine fever-affected facility - a protection zone within a three-kilometer radius, and a surveillance zone within a ten-kilometer radius. In the sheds located in this area, the PVD will intensify checks on the health status of pigs and compliance with biosecurity requirements. 

It is forbidden to move pigs from farm to farm, as well as to take pigs and pork out of the protection and monitoring zones.

African Swine Fever first raised its head in Latvia in 2014, leading to emergency measures, huge culls of domestic pigs and severe damage to the farming sector. Outbreaks have been reported intermittently since, with the spread of the disease often attributed to wild boar. It is not harmful to humans but is highly infectious.

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