Moldovan PM demands enhanced measures to prevent spread of African swine fever virus

Chisinau, 14 May /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Pavel Filip has demanded that the competent institutions take enhanced measures to prevent the spread of the African swine fever virus in Moldova, including through not allowing the import of contaminated pork in Moldova. This subject was discussed at a meeting summoned by the prime minister, given the appearance of new hotbeds of the disease, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.   

According to reports unveiled, active hotbeds have been recently discovered in three settlements: Palanca village, Stefan Voda district, Besghioz village, Ceadar-Lunga district and Tvardita village Taraclia village. In the last case, samples were collected to confirm the presence of the virus and restrictions on movement of animals were imposed. It is presumed that all cases of swine fever appeared as a result of the import of meat and meat products from Ukraine.  

The National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) has notified the national-level and international-level competent structures about the appearance of the hotbeds. At the same time, actions were undertaken to prevent the extension of the disease. Among them, there is the setting of filtres for disinfecting touring cars at the entrance in settlements, special dumping carts at all customs checkpoints of Moldova, in which the meat products collected from citizens are disinfected and then submitted for destruction. Since early 2018, over one ton of meat products has been taken over at Moldovan border checkpoints.   

In the context, the prime minister asked the border authorities in charge to prove more responsibility and mobilization and to undertake all actions needed to remove possibility of importing banned meant into Moldova. In this respect, the PM stressed the importance to inform the residents about the consequences of the spread of the virus and interdiction to import meat products.    

‘’While taking into account that Moldova is small country and the swine fever is spreading very quickly, this can have serious consequences for the economy. The virus can affect entire industries – from breeding pigs up to cultivating fodder. I want that we pay special attention to this danger, try to isolate the hotbeds and protect us at a maximal level,’’ the prime minister added.    

The African swine fever virus is a contagious disease, which affects the domestic and wild species of pigs. The virus is dangerous only for animals and does not threaten people’s health. The plan of measures on the prevention of the spread of African swine fever virus in Moldova was approved in 2016.