Sweden Seeks Help from Countries that Eradicated African Swine Fever
The Norwegian Veterinary Institute (SVA) and the Swedish Agricultural Agency are working together to prevent the further spread of African swine fever in the country. In an effort to combat the disease, Sweden is seeking assistance from countries that have successfully eradicated the virus.
“We are in close contact with Belgium and also with the European Commission. We will bring here experts from the EU’s expert team who can be asked for help in these situations,” says Sweden’s official chief veterinarian Lena Hellqvist Björnerot.
Belgium, along with the Czech Republic, has managed to completely eradicate African swine fever. Lena Hellqvist Björnerot explains that their success can be attributed to implementing strict measures, including the culling of domesticated pigs in contaminated areas.
“They went in strongly with strict measures and judged that it was safest to kill domesticated pigs in contaminated areas,” she says.
In addition to culling pigs, both Belgium and Sweden have taken various measures to limit the spread of the disease, such as stopping hunting activities and searching for carcasses. By closely following the experiences and strategies of other countries, Sweden hopes to quickly eradicate the virus.
“There are many influencing factors. We hope that with skill and the resources we have and also with luck we manage to limit this as soon as possible,” says Lena Hellqvist Björnerot.
Sweden is currently considering the implementation of large fences, similar to those used by Germany on its border with Poland, to prevent the spread of the virus. However, a decision has not yet been made as more information about the extent of the infection is needed.
African swine fever is a highly contagious disease that affects wild boars and pigs, leading to severe illness and death. The disease does not affect humans, but it poses a significant threat to the swine industry and can have serious economic consequences.
The public and hunters are urged to report any findings of dead wild boars to the relevant authorities, and pig keepers are advised to review their biosecurity and seek veterinary assistance at the first signs of illness or increased mortality.
Sweden is committed to tackling the spread of African swine fever and is actively seeking help from countries that have successfully eradicated the virus. With the combined efforts of international experts and diligent measures, Sweden hopes to contain and eliminate the infection as soon as possible.
Source: The Norwegian Veterinary Medical Institute