Role of birds in transmission of classical swine fever virus

Active transmission of classical swine fever virus ( CSFV) was studied in six birds (five ravens, one hooded crow) and two laying hens. Cloacal swabs, blood and organs of birds and hens as well as blood and organ samples of pigs which had been fed with faeces derived from CSFV infected birds or which had come in contact with faeces of infected hens were negative for CSFV. None of the animals seroconverted during the study. This result demonstrates that active virus transmission by these animals is unlikely. Dissemination of CSFV from wild boar to domestic pigs is discussed