Report Classical Swine Fever
CSF is an Emergency Animal Disease. If you suspect CSF you must immediately notify the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24hrs) or your Local Land Services veterinarian on 1300 795 299 (business hours)
Classical Swine Fever
Classical Swine Fever, also known as Hog Cholera, is a contagious viral disease. Pigs will show fever, loss of apatite, dullness, weakness and may be huddled together. Pigs may also show purple discolouration on the ears, belly and thighs.
Disease information
What does Classical Swine Fever look like?
In live animals, pigs will have a fever (often over 41oC), be huddled together, dullness, weakness, loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, initial constipation, followed by diarrhoea. Pigs may also show purple discolouration of the ears, belly or thighs. Infected animals will die within 1-2 weeks.
On post mortem, findings may include, widespread petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages, especially in the lymph nodes, larynx, kidneys, spleen, bladder and small intestine. Ulcers may also be found in the small intestines.
CSF also can present as a chronic form, with the only clinical signs being poor reproductive performance, or piglets born with congenital tremors.
What should I do if I suspect Classical Swine Fever?
If you suspect Classical Swine Fever, you should consult your private veterinarian, LLS district Veterinarian (1300 795 299, business hours) or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888 24hrs 7 days a week). You must not visit other pig farms until investigations are complete.
How is it diagnosed?
CSF is clinically indistinguishable from African Swine Fever. Diagnosis is made through laboratory testing.
Samples to take.
If you can, collect samples from 10 animals. This can be a combination of sick and dead animals.
Live Pigs:
- 10mL EDTA blood (purple top)
- 10ml Clotted Blood (red top)
- Swabs in viral transport media from mouth, tonsils and nose
Dead Pigs:
- 10mL EDTA blood- recently dead or euthanised animals
- Swabs in viral transport media from mouth, tonsils and nose
- Sterile tissue samples in individual sterile pots approximately 2g of each tissue (keep chilled, not frozen) from Tonsils, spleen, gastro-hepatic lymph node, mesenteric lymph node, lung, kidney, ileum.
- Samples in 10% neutral buffered formalin, can be one large pot from tonsils, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, lung, kidney, heart and brain as well as any lesions seen in any tissue.
Forward the samples to the NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories, Elizabeth McArthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI). If you are submitting samples for ASF exclusion, please contact the lab during business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday) on 1800 675 623 to ensure samples are tested promptly on arrival. The lab can also assist with couriers if needed.
Differential Diagnoses to CSF include
- African Swine Fever
- Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome
- Parvo virus
- Erysipelas
- Other septicaemic conditions
How is it spread?
The most common way CSF spreads is through direct contact. The disease is shed through saliva, nasal secretions, urine and faeces. Contaminated vehicles, equipment, feed, pens, clothing or other items can also spread disease. CSF can also be spread though feeding contaminated pork products to pigs even after being frozen for months.
Some animals can remain infected for months continuing to shed virus for months.
The most common way CSF is transmitted in endemic countries, is through feeding of contaminated pork products, or through human associated movements.
Does Classical Swine Fever affect people?
CSF does not infect humans.
Other key information and resources
Reporting animal biosecurity emergencies
Some animal pests and diseases, or residues in animal products or stock feed can have serious consequences for trade, production or human health. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly if you suspect a significant animal pest, disease, or residue you may be able to prevent these consequences. Don’t delay! Contact Local Land Services or ring the 24 hour hotline: