Slovakia Has Asked EC to cancel ASF infection area

Daniel Hrezik of the Agriculture Ministry's communications
and marketing department said that thanks to the measures adopted, the situation regarding ASFV infection in Slovakia has been stabilised. However, further developments will depend on a responsible approach from breeders, hunters and other people involved. "I expect that doing away with the infection area in Slovakia and thereby suspending the stricter rules for pig farmers and pork producers should come later this month. This will mean allowing farmers to trade in pork and pigs. However, the level of responsibility shown by all interested parties, especially breeders and hunters, who must be extremely cautious and aware of all the risks of transmitting this disease, will be crucial," said Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matecna (Slovak National Party/SNS).

ASFV within a relatively short time hit a large part of Europe. ASFV has been restricted in Slovakia to two neighbouring districts on the Hungarian border - Trebisov and Michalovce (both Kosice region). Since December 9 Slovakia has recorded 24 cases in wild boars and 11 cases in domestic pigs. The most recent case among domestic pigs was discovered on August 19 of this year. Since then ASFV has only occurred in wild boars.

Source: TASR