Officials in Japan said Sunday that pigs on a farm in Gifu Prefecture have tested positive for Classical Swine Fever (CSF), the first case to be discovered in that country in 26 years, according to a report by the Swine Health Information Center.
The report comes as its Asian neighbor, China, struggles to contain a widespread outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). But this CSF case in Japan is unrelated, and Japanese officials have ruled out the occurrence of ASF in this outbreak or in the country.
The case arose last week, when one pig died suddenly and was followed by the death of 80 others. The remaining 610 pigs were culled to contain the outbreak and depopulation was completed by Monday morning.
The cause of the virus introduction is unknown and under investigation. Meanwhile, Japanese pork exports have been suspended.
Gifu Prefecture is not a hog production center. It is located 500 miles from the south region, which is the most pig-dense area of Japan.
CSF can affect international pork trade, but clinically it is considered less severe than ASF. CSF is endemic in many countries, including China, and presents different levels of risk. Commercial vaccines are available for CSF control.
CSF last affected Japan in 1992. In 2007, Tokyo banned the use of vaccination, and declared the disease as eradicated in the country.
Source : meatingplace