African swine fever detected in Latvia

  • 2014-06-27
  • From wire reports, RIGA

After carrying out detailed laboratory testing, the Food and Veterinary Service of Latvia has confirmed the existence of African swine fever in Latvia, Nozare.lv reports.

The positive samples were taken from three wild-boar just several meters from the Belarus border. Lab tests are currently being carried out on three other wild-boar samples from the border area with Belarus, 

The State Border Guard initially informed the Food and Veterinary Service on the wild-boar carcasses. Inspectors arrived at the scene, took samples and burned the carcasses.

This is the first time that African swine fever has been registered in the territory of Latvia. As reported, Agriculture Ministry received information regarding an outbreak of African swine fever in southern Lithuania on January 24.