African swine fever is a particularly dangerous viral disease. Domestic and wild pigs of all ages and breeds are affected at any time of the year. The main source of the disease is wild boars, and therefore the risk of infection is highest in the summer period when people visit forests en masse.
As specialists from the Lepel District Veterinary Station noted, African swine fever poses no danger to human life and health. However, almost all infected pigs die, treatment is ineffective, and there is no vaccine.
Characteristic clinical signs include a high constant temperature for 3-7 days, depression, and refusal to eat. Red-purple spots become noticeable on the skin of the inner thighs, abdomen, neck, at the base of the ears, on the snout and tail, and paralysis of the hind limbs is observed.
The disease is transmitted through direct contact between healthy and sick animals, through feed, bedding, and pork products contaminated with the virus.
To prevent African swine fever in domestic pigs, it is necessary to strictly comply with a number of requirements. First of all, do not purchase feed and feed additives of unknown origin from unapproved retail outlets. It is important to designate special footwear and clothing that will be used exclusively for animal care. Equip a disinfection mat (disinfection bath) at the entrance to the pig housing. After visiting forest areas, disinfect clothing and footwear, and ensure pigs are kept confined. Also, do not purchase live pigs, meat, and meat products from unapproved retail outlets without veterinary accompanying documents. In addition, it is necessary to constantly control rodents and prevent unauthorized persons from entering the premises where pigs are kept. It is imperative to immediately inform rural councils and the district state veterinary service about all cases of pig disease and death.
The telephone number of the Lepel District Veterinary Station is 3-36-82.