Classical swine fever in Europe--the current situation

Abstract

Classical swine fever (CSF) is considered to be one of the most important viral diseases in pigs worldwide. In many parts of the world great efforts are being undertaken to reduce economic losses caused by CSF or to eradicate the disease. Among the member states of the European Union (EU) a harmonized strategy for diagnosis, control and eradication of CSF is applied. Success of the common strategy is documented by the decreasing number of outbreaks during the last decade. The present article summarizes the recent situation concerning CSF in Europe with special focus on the situation in the EU member states. In particular, outbreaks in domestic pigs and wild boar, the identified virus isolates, and eradication and monitoring programs actually performed in the EU are described. Despite achieved progress towards eradication, CSF remains a continuous threat to the European pig and wild boar population. After introduction of CSF virus (CSFV) into the domestic pig population rapid spread as a consequence of high frequency of animal movements and intensive trade within Europe can be suspected. Platforms like the CSF sequence database and the CSF in wild boar surveillance database have been implemented as tools to easily exchange information concerning CSF. The improved availability of data about circulating CSFV isolates will help to elucidate possible sources of virus introduction and to better understand routes of virus transmission.