THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER (CSF) IN GERMANY UNDER SPECIAL CONSIDERATION OF THE TASKS OF THE VETERINARY PRACTITIONERS

A general overview is presented about the development of the classical swine fever (CSF) situation based on the reported outbreaks in differ ent regions of Europe and especially in Germany between 1993-1997.The special responsibility of veterinary praktitioners regarding disease p revention and animal disease control in the framework of CSF eradicati on is emphasized. The sources of infection and the causes of spread of the CSF virus are discussed by using different case reports of outbre aks over the last years in Germany. The authors further discuss, how v eterinarians in practice are able to meet the demands regarding clinic al examination of pigs in herds with health problems possibly related to CSF.