National agency for food safety states alarming epizootic situation of African swine fever in Moldova

Chisinau, 22 August /MOLDPRES/ – The epizootic situation in the African swine fever (PPA) becomes more and more alarming in Moldova, despite the actions taken. Even more complicated is the state in neighbouring states, where in recent weeks there was an explosion of PPA, being officially notified 37 outbreaks in Ukraine and 950 outbreaks active in domestic pigs and 1,845 cases in boars in Romania. The created situation has been examined at a meeting organised by the National Agency for Food Safety /ANSA/, on Thursday, 22 August.

"The massive expansion of spread of swine fever in many states, including EU, once again has demonstrated that the main source of disease spread is contaminated food brought by contaminated baggage of travellers, boars and feed," explained the acting general manager of ANSA, Ela Malai.

According to official, "a major issue that can cause possible outbreaks of PPA are the maize fields affected by potentially ill – fated wild boars, which cross the border". Maize can later die as feed on pig farms, causing significant damage. "Thus, there is a risk that some states will stop import of fodder maize, which would cause an important economic problem for our country," said Ela Malai.

In this context, the management of ANSA has warned animal producers not to use cereal, grass and hay harvested in 2019, as there is a risk that they will be infected with the African swine fever virus. The goods can only be used after storage for a period of at least 03 months. Also, pig breeders are cautioned not to use culinary debris for animal feed that can cause PPA disease.

In other order of ideas, ANSA has reiterated that owners of slaughtered animals will receive compensation. On it, in the state budget for 2019, it was reserved an amount of MDL 500,000. Currently, there are documented claims for compensation for animals destroyed in the recent outbreaks of PPA, estimated at about MDL 660,000. But the authorities mention that "compensation will only be received by pig owners which have complied with provisions of law on identification and registration of animals, as well as minimum biosecurity requirements in pig farms".

In addition to ANSA, there have been involved more state institutions in the plan for recovery of critical situation, caused by epizootic indications of African swine fever. Thus, the Border Police (PF) in collaboration with Customs Service (SV) will amplify the control and patrol actions in the responsibility areas.

"We shall activate the research on the green area and tighten the checks at the state border crossing, on all segments. Also, it will be forbidden grasing of pigs for less than 500 metres from the border, being offered all the support in ensuring and maintaining the right order for created disinfection filtres”,  announced PF of Moldova.

The first outbreaks of African swine fever were registered on the territory of the Moldova in villages Mosana and Cernoleauca, Donduseni district, in October 2016. After that, in 2017, there have been registered 07 outbreaks, of which 03 in boars, in 2018 – 38 outbreaks (11 in wild boars). Since the beginning of 2019, there have been 20 outbreaks in Moldova, 02 of which are wild boars.

Starting 07 July till present, there have been registered 18 outbreaks in Moldova (01 in Nisporeni district, 07 – in Cantemir district, 08 – in Cahul district and 02 – in Cimislia district), killing 331 pigs. The last positive case was noted on 20 August, the evidence coming from a wild boar carcass, found in the Prut meadow, near village Gotesti, Cantemir district.

African swine fever is not dangerous to humans, but the disease spreads very quickly among animals and causes great damage to agriculture. There is no vaccine. The existing vaccination of pigs reduces the pressure of virus, but does not lead to its disappearance. The pork from infected animals is not a danger to humans, but it is not recommended for consumption.