Classical Swine Fever - Biosecurity Guidance for Farmers
Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. Infected animals suffer clinical forms of the disease and mortality rates are high. CSF poses a severe threat to animal welfare and affects productivity. Both domestic and feral pigs are affected. CSF poses no risk to humans.
Classical Swine Fever can be spread by:
- direct contact with infected pigs.
- contact with body secretions and animal waste from infected animals.
- infected material carried on vehicles, equipment, pens, feed, hands, boots, clothing, among other livestock, birds and flies.
At the first sign of disease, isolate sick animals and stop all livestock movement.
Clinical signs of Classical Swine Fever
Classical Swine Fever can be seen in three main forms, with the Acute form resulting in high death rates within 4-7 days. The Chronic and Mild forms may pass undetected, with secondary infections causing death. If you suspect Classical Swine Fever you must by law ( The Classical Swine Fever (Scotland) Order 2003) contact your Divisional Veterinary Officer immediately.
Planning to avoid the disease
Classical Swine Fever can be transmitted over long distances via contaminated materials or meat products. The last outbreak in Scotland occurred in the 1960s. In England Classical Swine Fever occurred in 2000. It is important to apply the biosecurity precautions that suit you and your farm. The advice below offers methods to avoid spreading CSF during your farming activities. Applying biosecurity methods on your farm will help to maintain Scotland's CSF - free status.
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