African swine fever found in Belarus

African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in a wild boar in a Belarusian hunting ground near the Russian border, according to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The infection marks the first occurrence of ASF in Belarus, the OIE stated.
A test conducted December 15 at the State Science and Research Institute of Laboratory Diagnosis and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise showed a sample proving positive for ASF.
The boar was found dead on the hunting grounds by rangers. An additional 91 boars on the ground were considered susceptible.
Veterinary officials have implemented the following control measures upon the boar testing positive: quarantine, movement control inside the country, control of wildlife reservoirs and zoning.
Many other countries in the region have had cases confirmed by the OIE. ASF outbreaks have also been reported in recent months in Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Another outbreak of ASF has been reported in Chad.
Most of the ASF cases reported to the OIE, like the one in Belarus, have occurred in wild boars. However, the case that occurred in Lithuania took place at one of the country’s largest swine farms, with a total of 19,411 animals susceptible. The outbreak that occurred in Chad occurred at a farm with about 500 animals susceptible.
OIE will submit weekly reports on the ASF case in Belarus until it is resolved.