Classical Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. In its acute form the disease generally results in high mortality. CSF is a different disease to swine flu. The virus does not affect people and there is no impact on human health.

If notifiable disease is suspected, contact the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. Failure to do so is an offence

Clinical Signs

The clinical signs of Classical Swine Fever may occur in chronic, congenital, mild or acute form.  The incubation period 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 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

How is the disease transmitted?

Classical Swine Fever can be spread through:

  • movement of infected pigs or pigs incubating the disease.
  • movement of equipment, vehicles and people who work with pigs between pig farms and ineffective biosecurity.
  • pigs eating infected pig meat or meat products.
  • infected artificial semen insemination

Practising good biosecurity at all times can help reduce the risk of many pig diseases like CSF spreading.

Anyone suspecting Classical Swine Fever must immediately inform their local Divisional Veterinary Office.

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