Pigs from Moldovan settlements hit by African swine fever to be slaughterer, animals' owners - compensated for losses

Chisinau, 19 September /MOLDPRES/ - The complicated situation as to the spread of the African swine fever in Moldova was considered at a meeting of the Commission for Emergency Situations today, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.   

The prime minister showed concern about the dangerous situation in the neighbour countries, Romania and Ukraine. In Romania, the swine fever has been recently confirmed at the biggest pig farm from the country and the second largest in EU, with over 250,000 pigs slaughtered.

Therefore, the PM demanded urgent measures to prevent the spread of the disease in Moldova. “We need involvement and mobilization of all institutions and authorities. Each institution has competences to contribute to the fight against this epidemic. The economic blow can be quite strong. Not to speak about the social aspect, as practically each household from villages breeds a pig at home,” Pavel Filip stressed. 

The prime minister also demanded elaboration and approval of a comprehensive action plan, in order to prevent the extension of the swine fever. According to Filip, about 700 pigs are to be slaughtered in the settlements hit by the African swine fever. The sum due to be earmarked to this end is 1.5 million lei.    

Also, the period of hunting for wild boars, foxes and jackals will be extended throughout the year and the authorization on this purpose will be free of charge. At the same time, special groups will be set up for the hunting of wild boars.  

Control will also be toughened at border crossing points, with the import of pork and pork products banned. At the same time, a comprehensive campaign on informing residents about the danger of the spread of the African swine fever will be carried out. Also, decision-makers will evaluate the maize plantations, in order not to allow the processing as fodder for animals of the maize plantations affected by wild boars.   

According to the National Food Safety Agency, 22 hotbeds of swine fever have been registered since early 2018. Presently, 13 hotbeds are active in six settlements from the Stefan Voda, Vulcanesti and Cahul districts. Three zones were the virus was discovered in wild boards are under monitoring too.