African Swine Fever Detected at Vaiņodes bekons Pig Farm in Latvia, Quarantine Zone Established

First African Swine Fever Outbreak of the Year Confirmed in Latvia

The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) in Latvia has confirmed the first African swine fever (ASF) outbreak of the year at the 'Vaiņodes bekons' pig farm. The farm, located in the Vaiņode parish of the South Kurzeme region, houses more than 22,000 domestic pigs. This detection has prompted immediate and stringent containment measures by the authorities.

Quarantine Measures Implemented

Following the confirmation of the disease, a comprehensive quarantine zone has been established around the affected farm. The PVD has announced that it will intensify inspections of pig health and compliance with biosecurity requirements within this area. Furthermore, strict restrictions have been imposed on the movement of pigs and pig products from the quarantine zone to curb the potential spread of the highly contagious virus.

Impact and Disease Characteristics

African swine fever is a severe viral disease that primarily affects domestic pigs and wild boars, characterized by its high lethality. While it poses no threat to human health, ASF causes significant economic losses due to the necessity of culling entire herds in affected facilities. The PVD has indicated that wild boars are the primary carriers of the disease in nature, with 83 wild boars already detected with ASF earlier in the year.

Farm Details and Broader Context

'Vaiņodes bekons' was registered in 1998 and operates with a share capital of EUR 3.463 million. It is owned by SIA Vaiņode Agro Holding, which is part of AS AmberStone Group, with Nika Berne identified as the beneficial owner. In 2024, the farm reported a turnover of EUR 5.94 million. This outbreak underscores the ongoing challenge Latvia faces with ASF, as the country has experienced annual outbreaks in both domestic and wild pig populations since the first case was reported in June 2014.