Epidemiology and control of classical swine fever (CSF) in wild boar and potential use of a newly developed live marker vaccine

Introduction

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a recurring pathogen of domestic pigs in Europe, maintained in wild boar reservoir and reintroduced by contact between domestic and free-living species. About 80% of the first outbreaks of CSF have occurred in regions where CSF in wild boar is endemic. However wild boars are an indigenous species in Europe and they should be managed as a part of our natural environment. Socially, large-scale outbreaks of CSF have a disastrous economic effect (billions of euros), and public opinion perceives mass killings of animals as unethical. Animal welfare implications of CSF outbreaks are also serious. Currently, no live vaccine that can be differentiated from infection and adapted for young pigs is available.

Project acronym: CSFVACCINE & WILDBOAR
Project No.: SSP1- 501599