First case of African Swine Fever in Latvia
Lab test results reveal that African Swine Fever (ASF) is present in Latvia for the first time.
Dr Maris Balodis, chief veterinary officer & director general, Food and Veterinary Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Riga, Latvia reported to the World Organisation fo Animal Health (OIE) that African Swine Fever (ASF) has been found in Latvia.
According to OIE the source of the outbreak is still unknown, however, “on 25 June 2014, three wild boars were found dead close to the Belarus border. Samples were taken and sent to investigation. On 26 June, the National Reference Laboratory confirmed positive results for ASF virus for all three wild boars. All measures according to the Directive 2002/60/EC are in place.
Also, on 25 June, three domestic pigs in one backyard holding were examined and sampled according to a suspicion for African Swine fever/Classical Swine Fever. Samples were taken and sent for investigation. On 26 June, the National Reference Laboratory confirmed African Swine Fever virus for all three domestic pigs. Protection and surveillance zones are established for ASF and all measures according the Directive 2002/60/EC are in place,” according to the OIE.
The OIE further added that “Since this is the first time that African Swine Fever is identified in the history of the country, the reason for notification as first occurrence applies to the country but the event is in fact circumscribed to a zone.”
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