Pig lung disease outbreak places 60 Swiss farms under quarantine

SRF reported that enzootic pneumonia has broken out across a large network of pig-breeding and fattening farms in Switzerland, with 60 farms placed under quarantine.

The affected farms include 20 breeding operations in six cantons and 40 fattening farms in 16 cantons. The farms belong to a pig-ring association, a network of agricultural businesses.

The Veterinary Service of the canton of Lucerne was informed of the outbreak on September 9 on behalf of the Swiss Veterinary Service. The pathogen Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae was detected in pigs showing suspected symptoms including coughing and fever.

A ban restricting the movement of animals has been imposed across all farms in the affected association to prevent further spread. The restrictions could lead to shortages of space for housing the animals.

The affected cantons and the federal government are conducting extensive investigations to determine the full extent of the outbreak. Switzerland was considered largely free of the disease after a campaign to eradicate it between 1996 and 2004.

Pig farmers have been urged to implement biosecurity measures consistently. The pathogen can also be transmitted through the air, but the disease poses no danger to people.