Brazil: CSF outbreak outside the disease-free zone

The case was confirmed on October 6 on a family farm, more than 500 km north of Brazil’s CSF-free zone, which is recognised by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). First signs of the virus had become clear as early as August 25.

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Backyard-like farm with 130 pigs

The official notification reports that the ‘backyard-like’ farm had 130 animals, of which 115 contracted the illness and 112 had died. The other 3 animals were culled. Mapa’s information also indicated that the farm has no links with other commercial or breeding establishments for pigs.

The ministry said in a statement, “The occurrence does not change the international recognition granted to Brazil’s CSF-free zone and does not justify impacts on the trade of pigs and their products. The procedures to eliminate the outbreak, with culling and destruction of the pigs, have been made and an investigation will take place in a 10 km radius and also in all properties with some epidemiological link.”

Japan also recently discovered outbreaks of CSF. Read more

The diagnosis was confirmed by the National Agricultural Laboratory through molecular techniques, performed on samples of an animal that had clinical signs of the disease.

Clarification of causes of CSF outbreak

Paulo Helder, president of the Association of Swine Producers of Ceará state (ASCE), said: “We were aware of the case yesterday and also of the authorities’ action to isolate the area. We also formed a working group to clarify all the causes of this outbreak located in the city of Forquilho.”

Recognised by the OIE this year, Brazil’s CSF-free zone covers 17 states and concentrates more than 95% of Brazilian swine production. Ceará is not one of them. The total export of Brazilian products and pigs comes from this free zone that has not been affected by CSF since January 1998.

The last time CSF occurred in Brazilian territories outside the free zone was in October 2009.