Authorities, farmers discussed solutions to prevent African swine fever

Chisinau, Aug. 7 /MOLDPRES/- The relevant national authorities today organized a joint meeting with pig farmers to discuss biosecurity measures for the animals they own. The purpose of the meeting was to identify effective solutions to prevent and combat the spread of African swine fever on the territory of our country.

"The spread of PPA occurs due to human negligence, but effective communication between the institutions responsible for food safety and the business environment is particularly important, in order to avoid serious effects on food security and the national economy", state secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) Iurie Scripnic said.

The representatives of the National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA) asked farmers to avoid feeding pigs with freshly harvested cereals, as they could be contaminated by wild boars with the PPA virus. Also, citizens are asked not to procure animals without sanitary-veterinary certificates and food products from unauthorized places.

African swine fever is a disease that affects all domestic and wild pigs. The presence of the PPA virus was reported last week at a pig farm in Ungheni district and at two households in Cahul district. The Commissions for Emergency Situations have approved combat plans, and the actions to eradicate the outbreaks are ongoing.

Photo: MAIA