The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification yesterday, 30 November, which was submitted on Monday, 29 November. The outbreak was initially observed on 2 November, and later on, confirmed on 21 November when a direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test was conducted at the University of San Marcos's (UNMSM) virology laboratory, confirming the presence of Coronavirus as the causal agent.

The first outbreak, which started on 2 November, took place at Ventanilla district in Lima. This happened at a backyard farm with seven sows and seven 7-day-old piglets. Out of the seven piglets, three were found dead.

The second outbreak, which occurred on 9 November, took place at a non technified small farm with 40 sows and 105 15-day-old piglets in Lima's San Juan de Lurigancho district. Out of these, 60 piglets were found sick and five of the piglets died.

To sum up, a total of two outbreaks took place. 159 animals were found susceptible to the virus, out of which 72 cases were identified. While eight deaths were recorded, no animals were destroyed or slaughtered.

The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive and OIE investigations are ongoing.

Some of the measures currently being applied by OIE are:

• Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s);
• No vaccination;
• No treatment of affected animals.

Measures to be applied include:

• Quarantine;
• Movement control inside the country;
• Zoning.

According to the OIE, the event is continuing and the organisation plans on submitting weekly follow-up reports.

Further Reading

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Find out more information on Transmissible Gastro Enteritis (TGE) by clicking here.