A state of emergency has been declared in a district in the Krasnodar Region in south Russia over a swine fever outbreak, the regional emergencies centre said on Sunday (7 August).

RIA Novosti reports the centre's announcement that the swine fever virus has been found in a private farm holding some three kilometres away from the Krylovskaya village where 15 swine died of the disease.

The state of emergency covers an area where 11,839 pigs are being kept, of which 50 have already died, the centre added.

African swine fever, or Montgomery's disease, was first reported in Africa in 1903. Both domestic and wild animals can become infected when they come into contact with sick animals. The virus does not affect humans.

Further Reading

-

Find out more information on swine fevers by clicking here.