Switzerland orders culling of 1,500 pigs over lung disease

Switzerland has ordered the removal of around 1,500 breeding pigs and piglets after an outbreak of enzootic pneumonia at a network of pig breeding and fattening farms, SRF reported.

The affected livestock at 20 breeding farms in six cantons must be completely removed to prevent the disease from spreading. The infection chain can only be stopped by slaughtering or killing the animals, according to the statement from the Lucerne cantonal veterinarian, who is leading the response on behalf of Switzerland’s veterinary service.

The disease poses no danger to humans. The outbreak has affected 20 breeding farms in the cantons of Bern, Lucerne, Solothurn, Schwyz, Thurgau and Vaud, as well as 40 fattening farms in 14 cantons.

The pathogen has so far been detected at 11 breeding farms in Lucerne, a canton with many pig farms. The animals will be slaughtered where possible, Lucerne cantonal veterinarian Martin Brügger said. If that is not possible, they will be killed in accordance with animal welfare requirements.

The affected farms are due to be cleared by October 2. All their stables will then be cleaned and disinfected.

Authorities have also imposed a ban on the affected breeding farms, meaning that no animals may be exchanged between them. They have not ruled out involvement by farms outside the affected network and are continuing to investigate.