All 3,500 pigs at the infected farm, believed to be in the Woodbridge area, will be slaughtered but all other pig farmers in the area have been put on major alert. A 3km protection zone has been set up around the infected premises, in which the movement of any pigs is now banned. A wider surveillance area has also been established, in which all farms holding pigs will be inspected and kept under observation by experts.
Experts stress the disease poses no risk to humans.
Pig industry officials said last night they were gutted by the news, and farmers in the area said they were stunned by the outbreak. The very last thing they wanted was a problem of this nature, when they are trying to haul themselves out of the financial debacle of the past couple of years. Swine fever was confirmed yesterday after further tests were carried out. All pigs that have entered or left the premises recently are now being traced and inspected. All 3,500 pigs on the infected farm will be killed.