RIGA, July 11 (LETA) - A total of 18 new cases of African swine fever (ASF) were reported in Latvia's wild boar population last week, the Food and Veterinary Service informed.

The ASF cases were reported in the municipalities of Rezekne, Ludza, Tukums, Jekabpils, Kraslava and Augsdaugava.

So far this year ASF has been found in 453 wild boars in 115 parishes of 24 municipalities of Latvia.

As reported, the ASF outbreak started in Latvia in June 2014 not far from the border with Belarus.

African swine fever is an extremely dangerous and contagious virus infection affecting pigs. If an infected pig is found in a farm, all pigs in the particular farm have to be culled, which means big losses for farmers.