There are two types of swine fever: African swine fever and classical swine fever. There has never been African swine fever in Denmark and the latest outbreak of classical swine fever in Denmark was in 1933. Swine fever is not transmissible to humans.

Swine fever is not transmissible to humans or other species of animals but it has a significant impact on the export since an outbreak of swine fever means that may countries will stop the import of pork. Swine fever is transmissible from animal to animal through contact with manure in for example insufficiently cleaned lorries and through food waste.

In order to reduce the risk of infection, Denmark has introduced strict hygiene requirements with cleaning and disinfection of lorries that have transported animals abroad and are entering Denmark. It is also forbidden to use food waste from kitchens as pig feed.
The import of live pigs to Denmark is quite limited and is subject to strict control measures.

Swine fever in other countries

In 2014, an outbreak of African swine fever was found in wild boars and domestic pigs in Poland and in the Baltic countries as well as in Russia. Latvia and Russia have experienced outbreaks of classical swine fever.

The infection is spread in Russia through transport of pigs and through feeding of food waste. In limited areas, also wild boars have played a certain role. The infection was introduced into the Baltic countries and Poland by wild boars crossing the border from Russia.
The symptoms of both types of swine fever are not particularly specific. Diarrhoea, high mortality and bleeding/spots on the skin as well as reduced well-being are the most predominant characteristics but the symptoms can also be less clear.

Read more about swine fever:
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration
The World Organisation for Animal Health