African swine fever (ASF)— is a dangerous disease that affects pigs. It spreads quickly and can lead to the death of the entire herd. There is no cure or vaccine for it, so the main thing is —prevent its appearance.
How to protect your farm?
Biosecurity starts in the yard. Even a small farm must operate according to farm rules:
- keeping pigs in closed or well-insulated premises;
- avoiding contact with wild animals;
- protection of the territory from foreign animals and visitors.
The most common mistakes that lead to infection:
- feeding food waste without processing;
- lack of disinfection of shoes and equipment;
- buying animals without veterinary documents;
- free access of third parties to the pigsty;
- ignoring signs of illness.
Regular cleaning of premises, equipment and animal housing significantly reduces the risk of infection. Particular attention should be paid to the entrances to pig houses and transport used on the farm.
Monitoring the condition of animals is a daily habit. The owner must check daily:
- animal appetite;
- behavior;
- appearance;
- any signs of weakness or sudden change in condition.
Even one suspicious case is a reason for immediate response.
What to do if ASF is suspected. It is strictly forbidden:
- move animals;
- to slaughter or sell;
- to hide cases of death.
It is necessary to immediately notify the Main Department of the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection in the Kharkiv region or contact the nearest veterinary institution in the Chuguiv district at the following addresses:
- Chuhuyiv District Veterinary Medicine: Chuhuyiv, Oleksandra Zachepyla St., 15, tel. 2-21-16;
- Zmiivska Veterinary Medicine District:
- Zmiiv, 92nd Brigade St., 10, tel. 0574734363;
- village of Taranivka, 23A Shironintsiv St., tel. +380962917607, +380984117478;
- Sheludkivka village, Koshevogo Olega lane, 9, tel. +380992442326, +380999304329;
- Specialists of the Pecheneg District of Veterinary Medicine: tel. +380688939799, +380960824723.
Working hours: Mon-Thu from 8:00 to 16:45, Fri from 8:00 to 15:45, Sat-Sun - weekends.
ASF cannot be «waited out» or «overcome.» It can only be prevented.
And it is the owner's responsibility, discipline, and daily prevention that are the barrier that protects the farm from losses.
The cartoon shows in a simple way that preventing the spread of African swine fever in private households can be achieved by following basic rules: proper pig husbandry, cleanliness, safe feeding, limiting animal contact with the outside environment, and timely notification of veterinary services in case of suspicious symptoms: https://youtu.be/WlKA9VWggBc?si=q9dfPpaHytxuLYtc