In late September, two outbreaks of African swine fever were confirmed in Moldova and reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The outbreaks involved a total of 13 pigs. All of the animals either died or were put down. OIE classified the reports as resolved on October 4.
Both small-scale pig farms involved in the African swine fever outbreaks were located in the northwest of Maldova, near the border with Ukraine.
First African swine fever outbreak in Moldova
The first outbreak occurred in a backyard pig fattening operation with ten pigs of approximately 80 kilograms (176 pounds) each. The pigs were eight to nine months old. Six pigs died between September 17 and 20. The pig farmer reported the deaths to local authorities.
Of the remaining four pigs, two had signs of African swine fever, including anorexia, increased temperature and apathy. These two pigs died on September 22 and 23. Three days later, the two surviving pigs were killed, although they did not show symptoms of African swine fever.
Samples from the dead pigs tested positive for African swine fever after analysis at the European Union Reference Laboratory for African Swine Fever in Spain.
Second African swine fever outbreak in Moldova
The second outbreak occurred in a similar, nearby backyard pig farm with three animals weighing 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and aged five months. On September 24, one pig died and the remaining pigs showed signs of African swine fever. These pigs subsequently died. On October 3, test results found the disease in these pigs as well.
