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Announcement published on September 21, 2026
As announced on September 16, 2026, an outbreak of enzootic pneumonia (EP) has occurred in a pig breeding operation spanning multiple cantons. The measures ordered affect 20 breeding farms in six cantons and 40 fattening farms in 14 cantons. The pig herds in the 20 breeding farms will be completely cleared. Animal transport restrictions are in effect at the 40 fattening farms until further notice. The disease is harmless to humans.
The regular exchange of animals within the pig ring increases the risk of further spread. Partial eradication does not provide sufficient assurance that the pathogen can be eliminated from all affected herds. Complete eradication is intended to break the chains of infection, protect other pig farms, and prevent the spread beyond the affected pig ring.
The clearing process is expected to be completed by October 2, 2026. The barns will then be cleaned and disinfected. The specific measures will be ordered by the responsible cantonal veterinary authorities and implemented jointly with the affected livestock owners.
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) reminds pig farmers of their obligations under the Animal Disease Ordinance: Every arrival of pigs must be reported to the Animal Movement Database (TVD) within three working days. Access to the TVD is via Agate. In addition, all arrivals and departures must be recorded in the farm's herd control system no later than three days after arrival.
Anyone transferring pigs to a different animal husbandry operation must issue a fully and correctly completed accompanying document. The restrictions on animal movement imposed by the cantonal veterinary authorities must be observed.
Pig farmers can also contribute to containment by consistently implementing biosecurity measures. These include, in particular, personnel airlocks, changing clothes, and disinfecting hands and boots. By doing so, they protect their own herd and other pig farms.
Further information can be found in the press release from the Swiss Veterinary Service.
September 16, 2026: Press release from the Swiss Veterinary Service
Enzootic pneumonia of pigs (EP)
www.blv.admin.ch
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Published September 21, 2026, 9:28 PM
Epidemic in Switzerland:
A contagious pneumonia is killing pigs in French-speaking Switzerland.
A lung disease is affecting pig farms in several cantons. In total, 1,500 animals will have to be slaughtered. The disease is harmless to humans.
by Jasmin Steiger
The alarm was raised by the cantonal veterinarian of Lucerne, on behalf of the Swiss Veterinary Service: approximately 1,500 sows and their piglets must be slaughtered or euthanized, according to the German-language broadcaster SRF . The measure aims to combat enzootic pneumonia, a contagious disease in pigs, but harmless to humans.
Pigsties emptied, cleaned and disinfected
The measures affect 20 pig farms in six cantons and 40 fattening farms in 14 cantons. "The animals will be slaughtered whenever possible," explains Martin Brügger, Lucerne's cantonal veterinarian, to SRF. "If that's not possible, the pigs will be euthanized in accordance with animal welfare regulations." The affected farms must be emptied by October 2nd. The pigsties will then be cleaned and disinfected.
Three French-speaking cantons affected
By emptying the farms, the authorities aim to prevent other animals from contracting the pathogen and spreading it further. Livestock farms are affected in the cantons of Vaud, Bern, Lucerne, Solothurn, Schwyz, and Thurgau. Fattening farms are impacted in three French-speaking cantons: Neuchâtel, Vaud, and Valais, as well as in 11 German-speaking cantons.
It is currently impossible to rule out the possibility that farms located outside the affected pig farming group may also be impacted. Investigations are underway. Furthermore, the affected farms have been placed under quarantine until further notice. No animals may be transferred from one farm to another.
Multiple transmission possibilities
Eleven years ago, a similar case occurred in eastern Switzerland. "The main mode of transmission is direct contact between animals," explained Albert Fritsche, then the cantonal veterinarian of St. Gallen. "But indirect transmission via transport vehicles, people, or equipment is also possible."
Contact with wild boars and airborne transmission from one farm to another pose other risks. However, there is no danger to consumers: "At the slaughterhouse, the animals are carefully inspected," Albert Fritsche stated at the time.
www.20min.ch
Announcement published on September 21, 2026
Enzootic pneumonia: Evacuation of 20 breeding farms and bans on animal transport prevent further spread
The pig herds at 20 breeding farms are being completely cleared. Animal transport restrictions are in place at 40 fattening farms. This is intended to prevent the further spread of enzootic pneumonia.As announced on September 16, 2026, an outbreak of enzootic pneumonia (EP) has occurred in a pig breeding operation spanning multiple cantons. The measures ordered affect 20 breeding farms in six cantons and 40 fattening farms in 14 cantons. The pig herds in the 20 breeding farms will be completely cleared. Animal transport restrictions are in effect at the 40 fattening farms until further notice. The disease is harmless to humans.
The regular exchange of animals within the pig ring increases the risk of further spread. Partial eradication does not provide sufficient assurance that the pathogen can be eliminated from all affected herds. Complete eradication is intended to break the chains of infection, protect other pig farms, and prevent the spread beyond the affected pig ring.
The clearing process is expected to be completed by October 2, 2026. The barns will then be cleaned and disinfected. The specific measures will be ordered by the responsible cantonal veterinary authorities and implemented jointly with the affected livestock owners.
Document animal transport completely and comply with biosecurity regulations.
Moving pigs can spread pathogens to other farms. Complete traceability helps to quickly contain the spread of animal diseases. Full and up-to-date information enables veterinary authorities to quickly identify contact farms and implement targeted protective measures. Missing or delayed reports can delay these investigations.The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) reminds pig farmers of their obligations under the Animal Disease Ordinance: Every arrival of pigs must be reported to the Animal Movement Database (TVD) within three working days. Access to the TVD is via Agate. In addition, all arrivals and departures must be recorded in the farm's herd control system no later than three days after arrival.
Anyone transferring pigs to a different animal husbandry operation must issue a fully and correctly completed accompanying document. The restrictions on animal movement imposed by the cantonal veterinary authorities must be observed.
Pig farmers can also contribute to containment by consistently implementing biosecurity measures. These include, in particular, personnel airlocks, changing clothes, and disinfecting hands and boots. By doing so, they protect their own herd and other pig farms.
Further information can be found in the press release from the Swiss Veterinary Service.
More information
September 21, 2026: Press release from the Swiss Veterinary ServiceSeptember 16, 2026: Press release from the Swiss Veterinary Service
Enzootic pneumonia of pigs (EP)
Enzootische Pneumonie: Räumung von 20 Zuchtbeständen und Tierverkehrssperrungen verhindern weitere Ausbreitung
Die Schweinebestände in 20 Zuchtbetrieben werden vollständig geräumt. Für 40 Mastbetriebe gelten Tierverkehrssperrungen. Damit soll eine weitere Ausbreitung der Enzootischen Pneumonie verhindert werden.
www.blv.admin.ch
Published September 21, 2026, 9:28 PM
Epidemic in Switzerland:
A contagious pneumonia is killing pigs in French-speaking Switzerland.
A lung disease is affecting pig farms in several cantons. In total, 1,500 animals will have to be slaughtered. The disease is harmless to humans.
by Jasmin Steiger
The alarm was raised by the cantonal veterinarian of Lucerne, on behalf of the Swiss Veterinary Service: approximately 1,500 sows and their piglets must be slaughtered or euthanized, according to the German-language broadcaster SRF . The measure aims to combat enzootic pneumonia, a contagious disease in pigs, but harmless to humans.
Pigsties emptied, cleaned and disinfected
The measures affect 20 pig farms in six cantons and 40 fattening farms in 14 cantons. "The animals will be slaughtered whenever possible," explains Martin Brügger, Lucerne's cantonal veterinarian, to SRF. "If that's not possible, the pigs will be euthanized in accordance with animal welfare regulations." The affected farms must be emptied by October 2nd. The pigsties will then be cleaned and disinfected.
Three French-speaking cantons affected
By emptying the farms, the authorities aim to prevent other animals from contracting the pathogen and spreading it further. Livestock farms are affected in the cantons of Vaud, Bern, Lucerne, Solothurn, Schwyz, and Thurgau. Fattening farms are impacted in three French-speaking cantons: Neuchâtel, Vaud, and Valais, as well as in 11 German-speaking cantons.
It is currently impossible to rule out the possibility that farms located outside the affected pig farming group may also be impacted. Investigations are underway. Furthermore, the affected farms have been placed under quarantine until further notice. No animals may be transferred from one farm to another.
Multiple transmission possibilities
Eleven years ago, a similar case occurred in eastern Switzerland. "The main mode of transmission is direct contact between animals," explained Albert Fritsche, then the cantonal veterinarian of St. Gallen. "But indirect transmission via transport vehicles, people, or equipment is also possible."
Contact with wild boars and airborne transmission from one farm to another pose other risks. However, there is no danger to consumers: "At the slaughterhouse, the animals are carefully inspected," Albert Fritsche stated at the time.
Suisse : 1500 porcs euthanasiés pour contenir une maladie pulmonaire
Une maladie pulmonaire touche des exploitations porcines de plusieurs cantons. En tout, 1500 animaux devront être abattus. La maladie est inoffensive pour l'homme.