More than fifty fattened pigs die on a farm in Šilutė district
On Sunday, 20 July, the State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVT) received a report that around fifty fattening pigs had died at the same time on a farm in Šilutė district. According to the initial information provided, it was suspected that the disaster might have been caused by a failure of the ventilation system, resulting in a temporary power outage. Inspectors on the scene also took samples for the detection of possible African and classical swine fever virus infections. Today, 21 July, laboratory tests have ruled out the possibility of infection.
„In total, the farm kept more than a thousand fattening pigs, and inspectors visited the farm and recorded the death of 69 pigs. The remaining animals were inspected, appeared clinically healthy and the ventilation equipment on the farm was restored. The keeper of the animals was instructed to dispose of the carcasses safely. We are currently investigating whether all the necessary measures to ensure the health and welfare of the animals have been implemented on the farm.
If we find that the requirements have been violated, we will take action," said Mindaugas Kašinskas, Head of the Klaipėda Surveillance Division of the VMVT. He reminded that the responsibility for the welfare and safety of animals lies with the keeper. A poor attitude and negligence on the part of the farmer can destroy the whole farm in a flash.
The VMVT reminds us to constantly monitor the situation on animal farms, to strictly observe biosecurity, and to notify the veterinarian and the VMVT as soon as possible in case of suspicion of a disease or if sudden mortality is observed. The investigation of the bird continues. 
