Large-scale pig deaths have been reported in the south China provinces of Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangsu.
The as yet undiagnosed pig deaths have prompted Chinese officials to implement control and prevention measures designed to limit the transmission or expansion of diseases. These measures include increased quarantines, strengthened surveillance, improved hygiene and biosecurity measures, and strict carcass disposal requirements.
Reportedly the disease, characterized by elevated body temperature, redness of the skin and rapid breathing, has been present since June 2006. According to one unconfirmed report, the disease may have killed nearly one million pigs in the area of Nanchang in Jiangxi province alone.
Source:
ProMED-mail