Ukraine: swine fever outbreak denied
Ukraine’s state department of veterinary medicine has denied there has been an outbreak of swine fever in the Ukrainian Mykolayiv region, but has warned of an outbreak of anthrax during the summer.
Experts believe that the cases of seven pigs suspected of suffering from swine fever at a private farm in Ingulka village were actually poisoned, as traces of zinc phosphate were found in their feed. As a preventive measure, however, veterinarian authorities have prohibited selling meat products from this farm and ordered additional vaccination of animals.
The veterinary department went on to forecast more cases of anthrax during the summer months, mainly because a very hot summer is expected (high temperatures weaken animals' immunity). According to department sources - domestic animals in Ukraine have been already vaccinated and 90% of them are immune towards anthrax. The same sources suggest that only one case of anthrax has been registered in Ukraine this year.
