African Swine Fever Threatens Complete Collapse of Croatia's Pig Farming Industry

African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to ravage Croatia's pig farming sector, with 101 farms now confirmed infected and approximately 4,000 pigs culled. Two new cases were reported recently, pushing the total to 52 in Osijek-Baranja and 49 in Virovitica-Podravina counties.

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ASF is the final blow that threatens the complete collapse of this branch.

The Croatian Chamber of Agriculture (HPK) issued a stark warning, calling ASF the "final blow" that threatens to completely extinguish the domestic pig farming industry. The HPK criticized what it termed "tolerance of idlers" and pointed to uncontrolled wild boar populations as a "biological bomb" roaming forests, posing a constant threat. They argue that while farmers implement rigorous biosecurity measures, the wild boars, which are the primary reservoirs and transmitters of the disease, continue to move freely near homes, fields, and borders, especially with neighboring Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina also experiencing outbreaks.

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While our producers fight for bare survival facing import lobbies and huge losses, ASF is the final blow that threatens the complete collapse of this branch.

Despite these dire warnings, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture David Vlajčić refuted "malicious conspiracy theories" suggesting that ASF control measures are designed to harm domestic pig farming and benefit imports. He claimed that Croatian pig farming shows signs of recovery, with 40,000 more pigs than in June 2023, attributing this to the responsible work of producers, veterinarians, hunters, and relevant services. However, the HPK remains skeptical, highlighting ongoing issues such as the illegal movement of pigs, falsified documents, and a general disregard for biosecurity measures, questioning how long any recovery can last under these conditions.

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A 'biological bomb' – an uncontrolled population of wild boars – continues to roam freely in the forests. The reason is clear: partial interests and open obstruction from part of the hunting community.