Three cases were identified at pig farms in North Yorkshire and one case at a pig farm in Gloucestershire.

Strict biosafety and biocontrol measures have now been taken and animals are being treated by the relevant veterinary units. Pig dysentery is a serious infectious disease characterized by diarrhea and weight loss, which severely limits productivity.

The National Association of Pigs (NPA) said these cases continue to cause “alarming escalation” of outbreaks in recent weeks. The NPA called on everyone who has recently transported pigs from North Yorkshire to closely monitor the development of any clinical signs of intestinal disease.

Recent outbreaks of the disease have been identified by clinical signs and subsequently confirmed by laboratory tests. The exact origin of the outbreaks remains unclear, but is currently being investigated, reports AHDB - Council for the Development of Agriculture and Horticulture.

The Council emphasized the importance of enhanced biosecurity and monitoring of clinical signs over the next few weeks, especially in the North Yorkshire and Gloucestershire regions, and also provided some general recommendations for manufacturers.