Disease: Classical swine fever
This page provides general information about this condition. Text can be revealed by clicking on the green headers. Links to press releases, results from DWHC investigations as well as other useful documents and relevant literature available on the DWHC website can be found at the bottom of the page.
Pathogen
The classical swine fever virus (CSF) is a member of the genus Pestivirus (family Flaviviridae). It is highly infectious causing disease and death in domestic and wild pigs and serious economic consequences for the pig industry. These characteristics mean that is classified, internationally as a notifiable disease and that suspicion of the disease should be reported to the National authorities.
Infected animals spread the virus in urine, feces, occular and nasal secretions and saliva, blood and sperm. Direct (animal-animal) or indirect (infected fomite such as people or vehicles-animal; contaminated food-animal; and, in certain circumstances, air-animal) contact results in infectious particles entering the body via the nose or mouth.
Susceptible species
Wild boars and domestic pigs are the only natural hosts of the CSF virus. Currently in the Netherlands both wild and domestic pigs are considered to be CSF-free. CSF was detected in wild boar in Germany several years ago but thanks to vaccination programs has been eradicated. In 2015 CSF was reported in the Ukraine.
Signs in animals
Acute, often fatal (up to 90% of cases) and chronic forms of the disease can occur in both host species. In the acute form, in addition to distinctive skin haemorrhages, infected animals are weak, sluggish and wobbly, often separating themselves from the group and showing reduced flight behaviour. They may have diarrhoea and seek out water sources. In addition, increased mortality is seen, particularly amongst piglets and post-mortem shows severely enlarged lymph nodes and pinpoint haemorrhages on the lymph nodes, heart, kidneys, bladder and larynx. In chronic cases animals are underweight and sows have reduced litter sizes.
Infection of animals
Infected animals spread the virus in urine, feces, occular and nasal secretions and saliva, blood and sperm. Direct (animal-animal) or indirect (infected fomite such as people or vehicles-animal; contaminated food-animal; and, in certain circumstances, air-animal) contact results in infectious particles entering the body via the nose or mouth.
External information
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