African Swine Fever Strikes in Sweden for First Time Ever
A dead wild boar in Sweden has tested positive for African swine fever (ASF). This is the first time for the deadly ASF virus to rear its head in this country, Sweden's Veterinary Institute said on Wednesday.
Officials said seven dead boars were found in Fagersta, about 125 miles northwest of Stockholm. More tests are being conducted at this time, the Veterinary Institute said in a statement. The authorities are working intensively to locate, limit and fight the infection. Pork producers are asked to review their biosecurity plans and contact a veterinarian at signs of illness or increased mortality.
"At present, we do not know how the infection got in, but it is a long jump from the nearest infected area in Europe, and we therefore assume that it has happened through humans and not wild boar," the Veterinary Institute said in a Reuters article.
Although ASF is harmless to humans, it is highly contagious and deadly in domestic pigs and wild boars. The devastation from the disease has had a significant impact on the global meat market.
ASF can be indirectly spread by contaminated materials, shoes, tools, feed or vehicles. In raw and frozen meat, ASF virus can survive for a long time, the Veterinary Institute said.
An outbreak of African swine fever has forced pig breeders in Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia to cull thousands of pigs since June and is putting pressure on governments to compensate farmers for their losses, Reuters reports.
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