SHIC tracks mild European cases as African swine fever spreads

Surveillance Alerts for Global Pork Trade

Recent global swine health surveillance has highlighted a rare parvovirus variant in pigs in Belgium and the Netherlands, together with higher African swine fever incidence in parts of Europe and continued classical swine fever control in Latin America. The Swine Health Information Center presents these findings as biosecurity reminders for the pork industry.

Fox Parvovirus Confirmed in Belgium

Animal Health Care Flanders reported the first Belgian detection of fox parvovirus in late July, after veterinarians recorded unusual clinical signs. The variant is genetically related to a virus previously identified in fox feces. Similar detections have increased on pig farms in the Netherlands since late 2024. The pathogen differs from porcine parvovirus type 1, which is mainly linked to reproductive failure in sows.

Clinical Signs Remain Mild

The most noticeable feature is unusually protruding eyes. Some pigs also show crossed eyes, reddened skin, hair loss or poor body condition. Signs have been seen mainly in piglets and can occur in growing pigs. Infections appear generally mild and self-limiting. Affected animals typically recover within a few weeks, and deaths have not been associated with the disease. How the virus entered farms, how it spreads and its potential production impact are still under investigation. Dr Lisa Becton, associate director of SHIC, said the finding is not a cause for alarm and has not been detected in the United States.

African Swine Fever Cases Rise

African swine fever remains a major challenge in Europe, Asia and Africa. Increased cases were reported in the past month in Bulgaria, Hungary and Poland, while Romania continues to struggle with the virus in domestic production. Wild boar, especially in Finland, complicate control in the absence of a vaccine. Contact between wild boar and farmed pigs, together with illegal meat trade and illegal meat movements, are identified as key transmission risks.

Classical Swine Fever Control Continues

Classical swine fever eradication remains a focus in Latin America. The World Organisation for Animal Health recognises San Andrés and Providencia as a CSF-free zone. Ecuador has vaccinated more than 1.3 million pigs against CSF since November 2025. Colombia and Ecuador are advancing eradication, including through vaccination. Becton noted that CSF and foot-and-mouth disease continue to create challenges globally.

Implications for Trade and Biosecurity

For meat buyers, exporters and logistics operators, the reports underline strict biosecurity and control of illegal meat movements. Fox parvovirus has not been reported in the United States, and European cases have so far been limited in severity. African swine fever and classical swine fever remain the more significant risks for swine health and cross-border pork trade.

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