Brussels, 21/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - In order to stem the propagation of classical swine fever, the EU's Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC) decided Wednesday evening to provisionally ban until 15 March exports of live pigs (as well as porcine semen, ova and embryos) from Luxembourg. In addition, provisionally, no vehicle carrying pigs will be able to cross the country. On 16 February, an outbreak of classical swine fever was confirmed in a holding in the east of Luxembourg, but at the meeting of the SVC, Luxembourg veterinary experts informed their counterparts that two new outbreaks had occurred (one in the north and one in the south of the country).
The Luxembourg authorities have taken the necessary measures in compliance wit the directive of 23 October last on combating classical swine fever: - establishment of a 3 km protection zone and a 10 km surveillance zone around the infected premises; - a census of all holdings in both zones; - tracing the movement of live animals and vehicles on and off premises. In addition, Luxembourg has decided to ban all movements of pigs. Belgium, France and Germany have offered their assistance to help the country tackle the problem. The SVC will review the situation on 5 and 6 March.