ASF may have been introduced into the Panevėžys region from nature

African swine fever (ASF) was detected last week in a small pig farm with two pigs in the village of Tiltagaliai, Panevėžys district. This is the seventh outbreak of ASF on a pig farm in Lithuania this year. The State Food and Veterinary Office (SVVT) confirmed the diagnosis of African swine fever on 7 October following tests carried out by the National Institute for Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment.

<Žydrūnas Vaišvila, advisor to the Surveillance Department of the State Veterinary Service, spoke about the African swine fever case in Tiltagali.

How did you hear about the African swine fever outbreak in Tiltagali? What measures were taken?

The pig keeper reported the disease to a veterinarian who took samples. After confirmation from the laboratory that the farm had an outbreak of ASF, the VMVT experts established a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone around the farm. The pigs kept on the holding were killed and primary disinfection was carried out.The VMA is currently inspecting all pig holdings within the restricted zones around the outbreak.

Most of the farms in the protection zone are small and self-sufficient, but there is also a pig complex with over 2 000 pigs.This complex is also subject to restrictions on the movement and trade of pigs and export bans.

Are pig farms inspected regularly? How many outbreaks of African swine fever have been detected in Lithuania this year“

We regularly check the biosecurity of pig farms. This year, out of 201 pig farms, we detected infringements of biosecurity measures in 75 places where animals were kept, and applied enforcement measures. However, it is not possible to have an inspector on duty at every farm. The keepers themselves need to understand that their irresponsibility is detrimental to the country as a whole, to exports – and therefore to themselves, both directly and indirectly.

Seven outbreaks of African swine fever have been detected in Lithuania this year.

How does the ASF virus get to pig farms?

The ASF virus is brought in from the wild by pig farmers themselves. It is still mushrooming season and people are visiting the forest where the virus circulates, so this outbreak is a possible consequence of a lack of biosecurity and hygiene when visiting pigs. The HPAI recommends that pig keepers should stay away from forests and avoid areas where there may be signs of wild boar presence.

Pigs should change their clothes and shoes before entering a pig holding area, disinfect and monitor their health. If any changes in the health of the pigs are observed, such as fever, sluggishness, lack of appetite or sudden death, the veterinarian and the HMA must be informed as soon as possible.