Five pig farms located south of Christchurch, New Zealand are reportedly experiencing an outbreak suspected to be Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS). Pigs on the affected farms are exhibiting conjunctivitis and elevated mortality rates. A definitive diagnosis has not yet been established, however.
PMWS was identified in the North Island in 2003 and spread to approximately 18 pig farms. Since that time, MAF has determined that the disease is widespread on the North Island. Restrictions on the movement of pigs and swine semen to the South Island were implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and appeared to have prevented the spread of the disease.
It is unclear what caused the current outbreak in the South Island, but all of the current cases are in close proximity or received pigs from farms within the outbreak.
Source:
ProMED-mail