Classical swine fever

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious viral disease of swine. In its acute form the disease is caused by virulent virus and generally results in high morbidity and mortality. Also known as Hog Cholera, it was first recorded in Tennessee around 1810 and subsequently spread to the European continent and other parts of the world.

Signs of disease

The symptoms of CSF and African swine fever (ASF) are almost identical and either may occur in chronic or acute form. Laboratory diagnosis is necessary to distinguish CSF from ASF. The incubation period for Classical swine fever is variable but is usually between five and ten days. In the acute form pigs develop a high temperature (40.5 degrees C or 105 degrees F), then become dull and go off their food. Other symptoms seen can vary but will include some or all of the following:

• Constipation followed by diarrhoea
• Gummed-up eyes
• Coughing
• Blotchy discolouration of the skin
• Abortion, still births and weak litters
• Weakness of hindquarters.
• Nervous signs including convulsions and tremors in new born piglets.

Transmission

The movement of infected pigs is a common method of spreading this disease. Apparently healthy pigs may be incubating disease and recovered pigs can excrete the virus for long periods of time.

The virus can exist outside the pig for a long time, so the movement of contaminated vehicles, clothing, footwear and equipment can also spread disease.

Legislation:

The Classical Swine Fever (Wales ) Order 2003 (external link)