CSF Reported as Eradicated in Lithuania

LITHUANIA - The veterinary authority says classical swine fever (CSF) has been eradicated in the country as there have bene no outbreaks or signs of the virus since July.

27 October 2011

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Europe

In its Follow Up Report No. 4 dated 26 October to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the State Food and Veterinary Service of the Republic of Lithuania has reported that clinical investigations and sampling in all pig holdings (small farms, including backyards with less than 1,000 pigs and large farms with more than 1,000 pigs) in the surveillance zone of classical swine fever (CSF) started on 7 August (20 days after cleaning and disinfection of the last outbreak) have been completed in accordance with Article 11(3b) of Directive 2001/89/EC. No positive cases were detected, all pigs were clinically healthy, and all sampling and testing results against CSF antibodies and by RT-PCR were negative.

Clinical investigations and sampling in the protection zone started on 17 August (30 days after cleaning and disinfection of the last outbreak) in accordance with Articles 10(4b) of Directive 2001/89/EC have been completed. No positive cases were detected, all pigs were clinically healthy, and all sampling and testing results against CSF antibodies and by RT-PCR were negative.

Clinical checks and sample examination in the restriction zones started on 27 August 2011 (40 days after cleaning and disinfection of the last outbreak) in accordance with Article 12 of Commission Decision 2011/508/EC have been completed in all small farms, including backyards with less than 1,000 pigs and large farms with more than 1,000 pigs. During clinical examination of pigs in all holdings within the protection and surveillance zones, no change in the health status, nor higher mortality and morbidity of pigs has been detected, all pigs were clinically healthy and all sampling and testing results against CSF antibodies and by RT-PCR were negative.

Throughout Lithuania, a total of 810 samples have been taken from wild boars. All samples tested have been negative. No change in the health status, nor higher mortality and morbidity of wild boars has been detected. The investigation and sampling is ongoing on all the territory of Lithuania.

On the basis of the testing results and clinical investigation of pigs, it can be concluded that CSF has been eradicated, no positive cases are present, and the wild boar population is not affected by the CSF virus.

The restriction zones will remain in place under Decision 2011/508 of 16 August 2011 concerning certain protection measures relating to classical swine fever in Lithuania.