First domestic pigs in Estonia affected by ASF

The outbreaks mark the first domestic pigs to be infected by ASF in Estonia.

Both farms are located in the country’s Viljandi province, in southern Estonia – and both outbreaks were reported on July 18, 2015. The farms had 355 and 191 pigs respectively. In the first farm, one animal was infected and had died; in the other two had died of ASF.

Quarantaine around pig farms

Estonian authorities said that quarantine will be enforced in the outbreak area, the pigs in both farms will be culled and the farms disinfected. In addition, in a 10 km radius, all pig farms will be inspected and animals shall be tested.

In addition to these two small-size farms, also on July 18, ASF was also discovered in a backyard operation, having only one pig, which died. This outbreak occurred in Valga province.

African Swine Fever in Eastern Europe

African Swine Fever has been around in Eastern Europe since 2007. The outbreaks developed from Georgia, Armenia and Russia into Ukraine and Belarus. Since early 2014, the virus entered European Union territory, affecting Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Most cases of ASF are found in wild boars. Occasionally also domestic pigs are affected – hitherto this hadn’t happened in Estonia.

Here’s Pig Progress’ up-to-date overview map of all African Swine Fever outbreaks in the EU.