The World Organisation for Animal Health received an immediate notification yesterday, 4 October. The outbreak was first observed on 10 August and confirmed on Monday, 3 October. The affected population comprises sows and non-weaned piglets.

According to the report received, clinical signs include diarrhea, anorexia and agalactia in sows and diarrhea and mortality in non-weaned piglets. The dead animals were buried on the farm. Mortalities have spontaneously ended.

In total, 2975 animals were found susceptible to the outbreak, out of which 738 cases and 547 deaths were reported. No animals were destroyed.

While the source of the outbreak has not been confirmed, swill feeding is suspected to be the primary cause.

The report states that the source of infection is uncertain. No live pigs have been imported in French Polynesia in 2011. Nevertheless, contamination is likely come from an itinerant butcher who fed pigs with waste from restaurants before illegal slaughter.

A positive serology was obtained on 3 October 2011 by differential ELISA TGE/PRCV (transmissible gastroenteritis/porcine respiratory coronavirus). Routine biosecurity measures have been reinforced in all pig farms in Tahiti.

Vaccination has never been applied (subject to the import of vaccines), but is not prohibited.

Further Reading

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Find out more information on transmissible gastroenteritis by clicking here.