Division 2

The detection of antibodies against classical swine fever virus in serum or plasma samples is carried out to assist the diagnosis of classical swine fever in suspected holdings, for establishing the age of infection in case of a confirmed outbreak and for monitoring and surveillance purposes. However, serological tests are of limited value for the detection of classical swine fever in the case of a recent infection in a holding.

A few seropositive pigs with a low neutralisation titre can be indicative of a recent infection (two to four weeks). Many pigs with high neutralisation titre could indicate that virus entered the holding more than one month before. The location of seropositive pigs in the holding can provide valuable information on how classical swine fever virus entered the holding.

However, an accurate evaluation of the results of the serological tests must be carried out taking into account the whole clinical, virological and epidemiological findings, in the framework of the enquiry to be carried out in case of suspicion or confirmation of classical swine fever, in accordance with Article 8 of Directive 2001/89/EC.