Latvia has had its first discovery of African swine fever (ASF) in the country’s history, according to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Discovery of the virus has led Latvia to consider a state of emergency and led Russia to implement a ban on Latvian pigs and pork products.
Russia implements ban on Latvian pigs, pork
Russia has implemented a ban on live pigs and pork products from Latvia, citing worries over ASF. The ban was implemented on June 28, two days after Latvia reported to the OIE that ASF had been discovered in Latvia’s Kraslavas County.
The ban, put in place by Rosselkhoznadzor, the Russian federal service for veterinary and phytosanitary surveillance, excludes finished cat and dog feeds that were thermally treated at minimum temperatures of 70C for at least 20 minutes. Additionally, Rosselkhoznadzor imposed temporary restrictions on the transit of live swine through Latvia to Russia.
According to the OIE, Latvian found two wild boars dead close to the Belarus border. Samples were taken and sent to a national reference laboratory, where ASF was confirmed in the two boars.
Russia also has had recent African swine fever cases
Russia itself had been dealing with two cases of ASF in June, one of which was a wild boar, according to OIE reports. Both animals died.
Latvia considers state of emergency for African swine fever
Janis Duklavs, Latvian agriculture minister, said the government wants to declare a state of emergency in the region, but the final decision will be parliament’s to make, Reuters reported. A state of emergency would give government officials access to private farms so pigs can be tested and vehicles leaving infected areas can be inspected to prevent the spread of the ASF. A vote could come as early as July 3.
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