Swine vesicular disease affects pigs.
It doesn’t affect humans, although there have been some isolated cases of accidental infection of laboratory personnel working with the virus.
The last outbreak in Great Britain was in 1982.
Latest situation
Update 25 June
Following suspicion of vesicular disease in pigs, and as a precaution to prevent the spread of disease, a 10 km Temporary Control Zone was declared around a premises near Feltwell, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk on 24 June 2022. Following further official testing swine vesicular disease has been negated and the 10km Temporary Control Zone has been revoked.
The premises remains under restriction pending the outcome of further tests.
Details of the restrictions can be found in the swine vesicular disease cases and disease control zones in England section.
Check if you are in a disease control zone on our interactive map.
Swine vesicular disease is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
Swine vesicular disease cases and disease control zones in England
Current and suspected cases of vesicular disease in pigs in the UK and the disease control measures in place.
Temporary Control Zone
No temporary control zones are currently in place.
Zones no longer in force
Near Feltwell, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk
Following suspicion of vesicular disease in pigs, and as a precaution to prevent the spread of disease, a 10 km Temporary Control Zone was declared around a premises Near Feltwell, Kings Lynn and West Norfolk, Norfolk on 24 June. The premises remains under restriction pending the outcome of official tests. Following further official testing swine vesicular disease has been negated and the 10km Temporary Control Zone has been revoked.
This revokes:
Licences
In Temporary Control Zones, certain movements of animals, animal products, animal by-products or materials associated with their keeping, are not permitted. This is to control further disease spread.
The following general licences allow for certain movements of animals. You need to check that you meet and comply with the conditions of the general licence. If you do, you do not need to contact APHA. You can rely on the general licence as providing authority for the movement or activity.
General licences are not applicable for the movement of anything to or from premises which have been served a restriction notice by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
No other general licences have currently been issued.
Movements are not routinely licenced in Temporary Control Zones. If you cannot move your animals using the above general licences and this causes exceptional hardship, then you can seek advice from: outbreak.licensing@apha.gov.uk.
How to spot swine vesicular disease
The clinical signs of swine vesicular disease can be confused with foot and mouth disease, so it’s essential you report any suspicion of swine vesicular disease in your pigs.
The main sign of the disease is blisters (vesicles). These appear:
- at the top of the hooves
- between the toes
- occasionally on the snout, tongue and lips
Other clinical signs include:
- lameness due to foot blisters
- loss of appetite
- fever
Some infected pigs may not show any signs of the disease.
How swine vesicular disease is spread
The disease can be spread by:
- contact with infected pigs or their faeces or body fluids
- pigs eating infectious meat or meat products
- contact with anything contaminated with the virus including:
- people and their clothing
- vehicles and equipment
Preventing and controlling swine vesicular disease
You can help prevent disease by practising strict biosecurity on your premises.
If you report suspicion of swine vesicular disease APHA vets will investigate.
If swine vesicular disease is confirmed the outbreak will be controlled in line with the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases.
Further information on prevention and control
What happens when a notifiable disease is suspected or confirmed
Legislation relating to swine vesicular disease
Autor HM Government
