African Swine Fever Found in Czech Republic
On June 27, 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, announced the very first occurrence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in that country, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The State Veterinary Administration confirmed ASF in two dead wild boars found close to the city of Zlin, located approximately 300 km (186 miles) southeast of Prague, in the Zlin Region.
The national laboratory in the country confirmed the test results. The State Veterinary Administration has been monitoring the wild boar population regularly, since ASF has been found in the wild boar population in other countries.
“The state veterinary administration applied all necessary measures,” reports USDA. “A defined zone with a 10 km radius of the infected area was established, where wild boar hunting is prohibited and their monitoring is intensified.”
All swine breeders within that zone will need to present their inventory listing of swine animals, to help prevent the spread of the disease. Trade or movements of swine and products are currently prohibited from the affected area.
According to the report, the regional veterinary administration must be notified in advanced of any planned domestic slaughter. In line with the legislation in place, an expert group consisting of veterinarians, hunters, and zoonosis experts was established to work with the state veterinary administration on taking necessary measures and implementation of an eradication program.
As of this week, no ban on trade has been established. The Czech Republic’s primary export markets are Slovakia, Germany and Hungary. The Czech Republic does not export swine and products to the United States.
To read more about the wild pig problem in both Europe and the United States, go here: http://www.porknetwork.com/news/industry/wild-pigs-worldwide-problem
