Three new outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been detected in the Russian Tver region, reports the Rosselkhoznadzor, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. All of them occurred in wild boars, in different parts of the region. The Tver region is located directly North West of Moscow.
Genetic material of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus was detected during the study of samples of pathological material, selected from two pigs in the territory of the public organisation Rameshkovskoe District Hunting and Fishing Organization, in Rameshkovsky district of Tver region.
Rosselkhoznadzor, together with state veterinary services, have been carrying out a complex of measures to contain and prevent further spread of infection.
More outbreaks
Only hours later, two additional outbreaks were reported. Again this occurred when samples of pathological material from two wild boars was studied.
"ASF virus genetic material was found during the study by All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Veterinary Virology and Microbiology of the samples of pathological material, selected from two wild boars – one killed in the hunting territory ‘Safari’ and one in the hunting area of Likhoslavl district," the statement read.
Representatives of veterinary services report that the virus now cover all districts of the Tver region. As a result of migration of wild boars from Tver region, ASF has also moved into the territory of the Volgograd region. Veterinary Services of Smolensk, Moscow, Yaroslavl and Pskov regions are currently taking emergency measures to prevent the migration of wild boars from the territory of the Tver region.
Source: PigProgress.net, July 10, 2012 (By Vladislav Vorotnikov)