African swine fever outbreak confirmed in Latvia, cull required

An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed at SIA Baltic Pork in Laubere parish, Ogre region, affecting 20,000 pigs, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) said on September 1. All pigs at the farm will be culled to prevent further spread, while disease control, containment, and an epidemiological investigation are under way.

A quarantine zone has been set up, restricting the movement of pigs and pig products.

The PVD will step up farm inspections to ensure animal health and compliance with biosecurity rules. It warned that ASF can spread easily through shoes, clothing, equipment, or transport, and urged all pig farmers—large or small—to follow strict biosecurity measures.

This is the eighth ASF outbreak in Latvian pig farms this year. Baltic Pork is owned by Norway’s Mork Engebretsen Invest (71.57%) and SE Agro Holding (28.43%).

The news follows a major ASF outbreak last week in Estonia, where 27,000 pigs were culled.

via LRT