African swine fever confirmed in seven Serbian districts, over 36,000 pigs lost

African swine fever has spread across seven districts in Serbia, impacting 13 municipalities and 62 localities, resulting in the loss of 36,101 pigs through death or euthanasia since the beginning of the year. Vladimir Nikolić, acting director of the Forestry Administration, stated that while recent days have shown a decline in new infections, "there is no room for complacency."

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It is encouraging that in the previous days we are recording fewer and fewer new cases of infection and we expect this trend to continue. However, there is no room for complacency.

Nikolić made these remarks during a visit to forest management areas to assess the implementation of preventative measures against the disease. He confirmed that prescribed measures, such as disinfection barriers, vehicle and personnel disinfection, and entry/exit logs, are being followed. Informational signs have also been posted at forest entrances.

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We have verified on the ground that the prescribed measures are being respected. Disinfection barriers have been set up, disinfection of vehicles and people is being carried out, the entry and exit of every person is recorded, and information boards have been placed at the entrances to the forests.

In the Srem district, managed by "Vojvodinašume," some forest roads are blocked by ramps, while others have disinfection barriers. The situation is being closely monitored in Srem, Mačva, and Kolubara districts, as well as the Belgrade region, identified as high-risk areas. Wild boars are highly susceptible to the disease and can play a significant role in its transmission, leading to strict movement controls and biosecurity procedures in the most affected zones. Nikolić urged citizens to respect bans and guidelines and temporarily refrain from entering forests in affected areas, stressing that "only through disciplined and joint action can we prevent the further spread of the disease."

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We are particularly carefully monitoring the situation in the Srem, Mačva, and Kolubara districts, as well as the area of Belgrade, where the risk is most pronounced.

Branislav Stankov, executive director for forestry at "Vojvodinašume," reported that African swine fever has been detected in 16 out of the 17 hunting grounds managed by the public enterprise. The most challenging situation is in the Srem region, where hunting in the "Kupinik" area has been suspended for 60 days, with the most rigorous measures implemented in its enclosed sections. Movement is completely prohibited for unauthorized individuals, with only authorized forest rangers and employees permitted entry for control and record-keeping purposes. Information on these measures has been communicated to timber buyers and other business partners.

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Wild boar is very susceptible to this infectious disease, but at the same time can play a significant role in its transmission.