Switzerland: Measures to Prevent the Spread of Enzootic Pneumonia

Following the occurrence of enzootic pneumonia (EP) in an inter-cantonal pig production ring, measures were ordered for a total of 60 farms. The measures affect 20 breeding farms in six cantons and 40 fattening farms in 14 cantons. All pigs will be removed from the breeding farms. Animal movement restrictions will remain in place for the fattening farms until further notice. The disease poses no risk to humans. 

The regular movement of animals within the pig production ring increases the risk of the pathogen spreading to other farms. Partial remediation of the affected herds does not provide sufficient assurance that the pathogen can be completely eliminated. The full depopulation of the breeding farms is intended to break chains of infection, protect other pig farms and prevent the disease from spreading beyond the affected pig production network. 

The depopulation is expected to be completed by 2 October 2026. The animal housing facilities will then be cleaned and disinfected. The cantonal veterinary authorities are responsible for ordering the specific measures and implementing them together with the affected animal keepers. 

The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office also stresses the importance of complete documentation of animal movements and consistent biosecurity. Movements of pigs into and out of farms must be recorded within the applicable deadlines, the required accompanying documents must be completed correctly, and official animal movement restrictions must be observed. The biosecurity measures referred to include, in particular, personnel hygiene barriers, changing clothes, and disinfecting hands and boots. These measures are intended to help protect both the individual herd and other pig farms from further transmission.