ASF found on large farm in western Poland

African swine fever (ASF) has been detected on a large farm in western Poland, the first time the virus has been found in domestic pigs in the region.

A total of 23,746 pigs, including nearly 7,000 sows, were due to be culled pigs tested positive at a farm in Niedoradz in the Lubusz Voivodeship. The farm is approximately, 65km from the German border.

The farm sold all its stock as piglets - there were nearly 17,000 piglets on the farm at the time - prompting concerns over possible onward spread to other farms that that have recently purchased stock from it.

The farm is located in an area already subject to ASF restrictions, the so-called 'red zone', following an outbreak in wild boar, detected for the first time in November 2019. A total of146 cases of ASF have since been found in wild boar in the district the farm lies within.

The virus has been found within 12km of the German border and the proximity of the outbreak to Germany has prompted joint action between the two countries, including erecting fences along the border and culling wild boar.

Poland's Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed the outbreak on Monday, based on the results of tests from March 20. The veterinary inspectorate has established new restrictions around the farm.