First cases of African swine fever registered in Czech Republic

The Czech authorities have registered the first ever cases of African swine fever in the country. The disease, which does not affect humans, was found in two dead wild boars that may have crossed the border into the Zlín region. Special monitoring of the wild boar population has been introduced, officials said on Tuesday. If domesticated pigs catch the disease they have to be put down and cordons placed around the farms in question.

Author: Ian Willoughby