Due to the unstable epizootic situation regarding African swine fever (ASF) in Ukraine and the registration of a case in the region, namely, in the National Nature Park "Gomilshanski Forests" of the Chuguiv district, Kharkiv region, according to the results of the research of the Regional State Laboratory of the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection in Poltava region dated 02/22/2024, DNA of the African swine fever virus was detected in pathological material taken from 2 wild boar corpses.
Being aware of the risks and in order to prevent the spread of the ASF virus in the region, pig owners need to know:
African swine fever (ASF) – a particularly dangerous viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, characterized by rapid spread and high mortality, which entails great economic losses, as up to 100% of infected pigs die. It does not pose a threat to human health. There are no medicines for the prevention and treatment of ASF. The source of the disease is sick pigs, which secrete the virus with urine, feces, nasal discharge and other secretions. Transmission of the disease to healthy animals can occur through virus-infected feed, bedding, manure, animal slaughter products (meat, meat products, blood). Clinical signs of the disease: 2-7 days pass from infection to the appearance of clinical signs; In animals, the body temperature rises to 42 C, shortness of breath, coughing, loss of appetite, increased thirst, attacks of vomiting and paralysis of the hind limbs are noted, red-violet spots become noticeable on the skin of the inner surface of the thighs, on the stomach, neck, at the base of the ears, on the patch and tail. Death occurs on the 1-5th day, less often later.
In order to prevent infection your animals, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:
- keep animals in closed pigsties and do not let them out to pasture;
- Be sure to inform your local veterinarian about the presence of pigs, who will vaccinate the animal against erysipelas and classical swine fever (free of charge);
- purchase high-quality compound feed only on official markets and require sellers to provide accompanying documents guaranteeing the quality, safety, and place of origin of the feed;
- do not feed animals food without prior heat treatment;
- do not use water from rivers or other slow-flowing bodies of water flowing through forests where there are wild boars to water animals;
- regularly treat your animals against insects and ticks;
- fight mouse-like rodents thoroughly and comprehensively;
- maintain a high sanitary culture of management, do not attempt to transport live and slaughtered animals without veterinary documents;
- carry out backyard slaughter only in the presence of a veterinarian;
Under no circumstances should you buy meat or lard at random markets or places of unauthorized trade, it can be dangerous!!!
We also appeal to the residents of the district not to interfere, but to cooperate with the veterinary service of the district. If there is a suspicion of pigs being infected with infectious diseases and the death of pigs, immediately notify the veterinarian. Do not destroy sick and suspected pigs and do not take their corpses to forest belts and landfills.
Contacts of the nearest veterinary medicine station:
Chuguyiv district of veterinary medicine at the address: Chuguev, Gagarina St., 15, tel. 2-21-16.
Working hours: Mon-Thu from 8:00 to 16:45, Fri from 8:00 to 15:45, Sat-Sun – weekend.