The veterinary service of the canton of Lucerne was notified of the outbreak on 9 September. Because animals are regularly moved between farms specialising in different stages of pig production, the infection was able to spread rapidly within the production network.
To break the chain of transmission, the authorities ordered affected farms to completely depopulate their premises. Healthy pigs were allowed to be sent for slaughter and their meat used for consumption, while other animals were culled.
In Lucerne, ten breeding farms had to be depopulated, with around 4,500 pigs slaughtered or culled in total. A further approximately 700 animals were removed from a finishing farm belonging to the same production network.
Once the animals have been removed, the farms must clean and disinfect their premises and keep them empty for at least 10 days. Restocking will only be permitted after inspection by the veterinary authorities.
According to Lucerne cantonal veterinarian Martin Brügger, there are currently no signs that the infection has spread beyond the affected network of farms. However, inspections are continuing, including on neighbouring farms. If pigs show coughing or other suspicious symptoms, samples will be collected for laboratory testing.
Farmers whose animals were slaughtered or culled under an official order will receive compensation. Losses resulting from downtime are not covered by the state and must be compensated through private insurance.
PigUA.info, based on materials fro