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Classical swine fever in Slovakia: experts in Brussels review the measures put in place to control the outbreak
Brussels (aho) – Following the confirmation of classical swine fever (CSF) in domestic pigs in Slovakia about ten days ago and the adoption of interim protection measures by the Commission (see MEMO/08/261), the disease situation has been discussed at today’s meeting of the veterinary experts from the Member States at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
Two outbreaks of CSF have been reported in two commercial pig farms in Slovakia. The authorities have taken very rigorous measures to control the disease. All pigs in the two farms (around 20 000 in total) are being killed and destroyed.
Slovakian authorities discovered that contacts have occurred between the two infected farms and other pig farms in Slovakia, which are now under strict control. However, more time will be required to complete these investigations. An expert epidemiologist of the Community Veterinary Emergency Team will be in the next days in Slovakia to help the Slovakian authorities in this work.
With the support of the Committee, the Commission has slightly modified the measures adopted last week. Under the Decision agreed today, the ban on the movement of pigs, pig semen, ova and embryos from Slovakia to other Member States and third countries is maintained, pending the completion of the epidemiological investigations. However, pigs may be moved from farm-to-farm and from farm-to-slaughter within Slovakia under certain conditions.
The disease situation is closely monitored by the Commission and will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health on May 7 and 8.
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