Classical Swine Fever
APHIS
Factsheet
Veterinary Services
January 2002
Classical Swine
•
The chronic form of CSF causes similar clinical
signs in affected swine, but the signs are less
Fever
severe than in the acute form. Discoloration of
the abdominal skin and red splotches around the
ears and extremities often occur. Pigs with
Still a Threat
chronic CSF can live for more than 100 days
Classical swine fever (CSF), also known as hog
after the onset of infection.
cholera, is a highly contagious viral disease of swine.
•
The mild or clinically inapparent form of CSF
CSF was eradicated from the United States in 1978
seldom results in noticeable clinical signs.
after a 16-year effort by the industry and State and
Affected pigs suffer short periods of illness often
Federal governments. Today, only 16 other countries
followed by periods of recovery. Eventually, a
are free of CSF. In the spring and summer of 1997,
terminal relapse occurs. The mild strain may
outbreaks of CSF were confirmed in Haiti and the
cause small litter size, stillbirths, and other
Dominican Republic; both countries had eradicated
reproductive failures. High mortality during
the disease in the early 1980's. Also in 1997, several
weaning may also indicate the presence of this
European countries, including the Netherlands and
mild strain of CSF.
Belgium, experienced outbreaks and suffered heavy
losses. These outbreaks have animal health officials
How Animal Health Officials Protect U.S.
at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) con-
Animals
cerned that CSF could spread to U.S. swine herds.
While CSF does not cause foodborne illness in peo-
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
ple, economic losses to pork producers would be
(APHIS) maintains a constant vigil against the entry
severe if the disease were to become established
of foreign animal diseases, such as CSF.
again in this country.
To ensure pigs are free of disease, swine from
countries affected by CSF can enter the United
Transmission
States only after a 90-day quarantine at a high-secu-
The most common method of transmission is
rity import center in Key West, FL.
direct contact between healthy swine and those
infected with CSF. The disease can also be
Control
transmitted through contact with body secretions and
APHIS coordinates an emergency task force
excrement from infected animals. Healthy pigs
made up of Federal, State, and local officials. This
coming into contact with contaminated vehicles,
task force is ready to respond immediately to any for-
pens, feed, or clothing may contract the disease.
eign disease outbreak. If an outbreak of CSF should
Birds, flies, and humans can physically carry the
occur, the task force would take the following actions:
virus from infected to healthy swine.
•
Investigate the affected farm to determine the
Swine owners can inadvertently cause infection
history of illness, the types and number of pigs
through feeding their herds untreated food wastes
affected, and to collect any other information
containing infected pork scraps.
relating to the illness.
•
Quarantine the affected premises and the
Signs
surrounding areas, if necessary, to restrict the
The clinical signs of CSF vary with the severity of the
movement of affected and exposed animals.
infection. There are three forms of the disease:
•
Trace all movements of swine to and from the
acute, chronic, and mild.
affected premises.
•
The acute form of CSF is highly virulent, causing
•
Provide laboratory services to test affected and
persistent fevers that can raise body
exposed animals.
temperatures as high as 107 °F. Other signs of
•
Euthanize or slaughter and dispose of all infected
the acute form include convulsions and lack of
and exposed animals; dispose of exposed
appetite. Affected pigs will pile or huddle up
materials like bedding and manure.
together. Signs of CSF may not be apparent for
•
Supervise cleaning and disinfection of the
several days following infection. Death usually
affected premises.
occurs within 5 to 14 days following the onset of
•
Advise and assist area hog farmers if their herds
illness.
are susceptible to the disease or located near a
quarantined area.
•
Increase public awareness of the outbreak and
Report Suspicious Cases
control efforts through press conferences, news
Veterinarians and livestock owners who suspect
releases, and public service announcements.
an animal may have CSF or any other foreign animal
•
Make available an onsite public information
disease should immediately contact State or Federal
specialist to answer questions and provide
animal health authorities.
updates to the media and the public.
For more information, contact:
How Swine Owners Can Protect Their
Animals
USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services
Swine owners who suspect their pigs may have
Emergency Programs
CSF should immediately contact their local veterinari-
4700 River Road, Unit 41
an or Federal or State animal health official. Taking
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
the following steps can help swine owners prevent this
Telephone (301) 734-8073
disease from becoming established in the United
Fax (301) 734-7817
States:
Current information on animal diseases and
•
Check animals at least twice a week for unusual
outbreaks is also available on the Internet. Point your
signs or behaviors.
Web browser to http://www.aphis.usda.gov to reach
•
Make sure food waste is properly heated to
the APHIS home page.
destroy pathogens.
•
Isolate newly purchased hogs for at least 21 days.
•
Isolate sick pigs until the cause of illness is
determined.
•
Fence property to prevent wild pigs from coming
in contact with domestic herds.
•
Practice standard biosecurity measures, such as
cleaning and disinfecting clothing, equipment, and
vehicles entering and leaving the farm.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
Civil Rights, Room 326–W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orienta-
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call (202) 720–5964
tion, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to
(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and
all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative
employer.
means for communication of program information (Braille, large
print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at
(202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).
United States Department of Agriculture •
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service •
Safeguarding American Agriculture
