What should you know about classical swine fever?

The name can be confusing because it includes the word fever. Classical swine fever affects domestic pigs and wild boar, with illness that may include fever, weakness, reduced appetite, skin changes, diarrhoea, or poor coordination in affected animals. It is different from the human fever illnesses listed in general medical information. The appearance of fever in a person does not indicate classical swine fever.

Do not move, sell, slaughter, or share potentially affected pigs, meat, equipment, or vehicles until veterinary authorities advise you. Separate animals only if this can be done safely and under professional direction. Keep people, visitors, and other animals away from the area, record recent movements, and contact a licensed veterinarian or the relevant local authority promptly. Do not attempt to diagnose the disease from symptoms alone.

Classical swine fever itself does not infect people. If a person develops fever, breathing symptoms, rash, vomiting, or feels seriously unwell, seek medical advice for human causes instead. A clinician may consider conditions such as a common cold, COVID-19, or another infection based on symptoms and exposure history. Urgent care is needed for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, collapse, or inability to keep fluids down.

If you have human symptoms, ask which infections fit your pattern, whether any animal or travel exposure matters, and which warning signs require urgent assessment. For pigs, direct disease questions to a veterinarian.