African swine fever outbreak in Spain prompts strict control measures; Lithuania urges biosecurity for pig farmers.
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African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting only domestic pigs and wild boar, posing no risk to humans. The virus is very resilient in the environment and often causes infected animals to die within days. A recent outbreak in Spain, whose origin is unknown, is being investigated, with possibilities including migration of wild boar or consumption of infected remains. Strict control protocols are activated across the European Union following any outbreak. Spain, which previously controlled the virus after mass culling and stricter measures in 1994, is now facing an unexpected recurrence, though the outbreak is currently localized to one area. The Catalan government has established a security zone around the outbreak, mobilizing personnel, including military emergency services. To curb the spread, two zones have been set: a six-kilometer restricted area with hunting and forestry banned, and a larger 20-kilometer zone where outdoor events and activities that could disrupt surveillance are temporarily prohibited. In Lithuania, where eight cases have been recorded, the State Food and Veterinary Service urges all pig farmers to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures, limit visitors, use clean equipment, and not move pigs or pork from restricted areas, while immediately reporting symptoms like fever or lethargy to veterinary doctors.
