Croatia announces 3,000 new farm inspections amid swine fever outbreak

Croatia's Agriculture Minister David Vlajčić has announced a new wave of intensified inspections targeting pig farms in Slavonia, regions affected by African swine fever (ASF). The measures aim to ensure farmers have rectified previous shortcomings and are strictly adhering to biosafety protocols.

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I believe that all those who had non-compliance have corrected the shortcomings in the meantime and that the new inspections will show that the messages have been taken seriously.

Veterinary inspectors will conduct approximately 3,000 additional checks in the Osijek-Baranja and Virovitica-Podravina counties. This follows last year's inspections, which revealed a concerning 47% non-compliance rate regarding pig identification and movement, and an additional 23% related to biosafety measures. "I believe that all those who had non-compliance have corrected the shortcomings in the meantime and that the new inspections will show that the messages have been taken seriously," Vlajčić stated, warning that the virus spreads rapidly once it enters a village.

The minister stressed the importance of collective action involving all services and citizens, urging pig farmers to follow all prescribed rules. He also cautioned individuals spending time in nature, including farmers, foresters, hunters, and mushroom pickers, about the potential for unknowingly spreading the virus to settlements and farms. Consequently, permits for collecting non-wood forest products have been suspended. "It is not time for unnecessary trips to the forests because the virus can be unintentionally transferred to settlements and farms," Vlajčić said.

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It is not time for unnecessary trips to the forests because the virus can be unintentionally transferred to settlements and farms.

Vlajčić also addressed concerns about responsibility for damages caused by wild boars in cornfields in the Oriovac area, emphasizing that jurisdictional disputes should not delay action. "The new Hunting Act will be more precise, but today we all must go to the field and solve the problem. We fail if we argue about who is responsible instead of removing the danger," he asserted. He dismissed claims that the ASF situation is being exploited to favor importers, noting that the disease affects all of Europe and was confirmed in 14 EU member states last year.

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The new Hunting Act will be more precise, but today we all must go to the field and solve the problem. We fail if we argue about who is responsible instead of removing the danger.