Swine vesicular disease found in Portugal

Swine vesicular disease (SVD) is contagious disease caused by a virus. It was first diagnosed and probably first appeared in Italy in 1966. There was much speculation as to the origin of this apparently new disease, and some laboratory data supported the idea that it was a new virus derived in part from a human enterovirus. Clinically, SVD cannot be distinguished from FMD, and can only be differentiated through laboratory test.


All pigs destroyed
The farm in Portugal housed 1,812 pigs and the disease was first noticed on June 7 and officially confirmed on June 26. All pigs have been destroyed following the stamping out program. Lesions in the coronary bands were observed during the stamping out procedures.


Protection zone
The Council Directive 92/119 EEC introducing general Community measures for the control of certain animal diseases and specific measures relating to that in the event of a confirmed case of SVD require a protection zone of 3km radius from the infected holding, and a surveillance zone of at least 10km radius.


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