Authorities in Serbia have ordered the culling of more than 10,000 pigs at a large-scale commercial farm in Hrtkovci, Srem, following the detection of African swine fever. According to Serbian Minister of Agriculture Dragan Glamocic, the cull will be completed within 48 hours to contain the outbreak. The state will provide compensation to the farm owner, who faces a 6- to 12-month prohibition on restarting swine production.
Regional Impact and Containment Measures
The outbreak in Hrtkovci is part of a broader trend affecting the Srem and Macva regions of western Serbia. These areas share borders with Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina and serve as critical hubs for the country’s pork industry. Multiple active infection centers have been identified in these regions, prompting authorities to implement intensified epidemiological measures to halt the virus’s spread among domestic pigs and wild boar populations.
Did You Know? African swine fever is not a threat to human health, yet it spreads with extreme speed among domestic and wild swine populations, making it a significant challenge for livestock management.
Global Context of the Virus
Minister Glamocic stated that African swine fever has now been confirmed in more than 70 countries, including 16 nations within Europe. The virus is already present in neighboring countries, specifically Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary, and Romania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is African swine fever dangerous to humans?
No, the virus is not dangerous to humans.
What is happening to the affected farm in Hrtkovci?
More than 10,000 pigs are being culled, and the owner will receive state compensation but cannot resume operations for 6 to 12 months.
Where else has the virus been detected in the region?
In addition to active outbreaks in the Srem and Macva regions of Serbia, the virus has been confirmed in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary, and Romania.
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