Swine fever detected in Sweden
A dead wild boar in Sweden has tested positive for African swine fever, Sweden's Veterinary Institute said earlier in September, the first such case in the country. The news was reported by Reuters.
According to the story, African swine fever is harmless to humans but is highly contagious and deadly in domestic pigs and wild boars. It has spread from Africa to Europe and Asia and has already killed hundreds of millions of pigs, affecting global meat markets.
Seven dead boars in were found in Fagersta, some 200 kilometers or 124 miles north-west of Stockholm, and more tests are being conducted, the Veterinary Institute said in a statement.
"It is currently not clear how the infection came to Sweden," the statement said.
Lena Hellqvist Björnerot of the Swedish Board of Agriculture said that the contingency plan for this type of a situation is now being implemented. "We are also taking note of experiences from other countries that have been in a similar situation," she said.
Members of the public and hunters throughout Sweden, but especially in the area in question and in Västmanland, are encouraged to report findings of dead wild boar to SVA via www.rapporteravilt.sva.se.
Pig owners are encouraged to review their biosecurity and contact a veterinarian if there are signs of disease or increased mortality.
Facts
African swine fever is a contagious viral disease that affects European wild boar and pigs with severe clinical disease including fever, bleeding, loss of coordination (ataxia), poor appetite and death usually occurs within a week.
The disease does not affect humans.
The disease has been present in Europe since 2007 and the EU since 2014.
Read the Reuters story and the official statement from Sweden.
For the latest news in the U.S., visit the APHIS site, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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