//10 Oct 2011
According to reports the European Commission has officially stated that Belgium is now free of Aujeszky’s Disease. The country's new recognition comes following the unanimous decision by the European Commission...
Because of the country being declared free of the disease, pork and pig exports to Germany will be easier - the price per piglet will reduce by about €5.
The Belgian food agency FAVV requested the official status at the European authorities in May. Belgium now has the same status as the countries surrounding it.
About the disease
Aujeszky’s Disease, also know as Pseudorabies is a viral disease in swine that is endemic in most parts of the world. The virus is shed in the saliva and nasal secretions of infected swine and is spread through oral or nasal contact. Aerosolization of the virus and transmission by fomites also may occur. The virus may potentially survive for seven hours in humid air and spread up to two kilometers. Furthermore, it may survive on well water for up to seven hours, in green grass, soil, and feces for up to two days, in contaminated feed for up to three days, and in straw bedding for up to four days.
Swine are usually asymptomatic, but PRV can cause abortion, high mortality in piglets, and coughing, sneezing, fever, constipation, depression, seizures, ataxia, circling, and excess salivation in piglets and mature pigs. Mortality in piglets less than one month of age is close to 100 percent, but it is less than 10 percent in pigs between one and six months of age. Pregnant swine can reabsorb their litters; deliver mummified, stillborn, or weakened piglets. (Wikipedia)
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