Teschen disease: how to spot and report the disease

Teschen disease affects pigs. It doesn’t affect humans.

There have been no outbreaks in western Europe since 1980. A less severe form of the disease called Talfan has occurred in Great Britain.

Clinical signs

The disease can affect pigs of all ages.

The early clinical signs are:

• fever
• loss of appetite
• lack of energy
• lack of co-ordination

Affected pigs may also:

• grind their teeth
• suffer convulsions
• lose their voice
• smack their lips
• suffer paralysis

The disease affects pigs suddenly. Many lose the ability to move and may die within three or four days. It is often fatal, though mildly affected animals may survive.

How Teschen disease is spread

Teschen disease is spread by:

• contact with infected pigs or their faeces
• contact with anything that’s contaminated, such as equipment, vehicles or people

Human health implications

There are no human health implications because the disease is not zoonotic.

How to control the disease

If the disease is confirmed the outbreak will be controlled in line with the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases.

Legislation

The main domestic legislation on Teschen disease is the Teschen Disease Order 1974.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity is about being aware of the ways disease can spread and taking every practical measure to minimise the risk of disease spreading. The advice details practical things you can do on your farm to help prevent the introduction and spread of Teschen disease to and from your animals.