Slovakia: African Swine Fever update
In 2020, African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in pig holdings in Slovakia were noted, mostly in backyard farms in south-eastern part of Slovakia. A total of 27 outbreaks were notified until 14 September 2020, of which 16 outbreaks in 2020.
African swine fever (ASF) was first confirmed in Slovakia on 25 July 2019 in the breeding of domestic pigs in the village of Strážne, okr. Trebišov. A little later, on August 12, the first information about the occurrence of the disease in wild boar caught in the same district was confirmed and published. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic regulatory informs about the development of the situation.
Currently, the positive cases in wild boars are recorded in the district of Trebišov, Michalovce, Košice-mesto, Košice-okolie, Rožňava and the district of Rimavská Sobota. Until 14 September 2020, 262 cases were confirmed, including 230 positive wild boars in 2020.
In 2020 ASF outbreaks in pig holdings are also noted, mostly in backyard farms in south-eastern part of Slovakia. A total of 27 outbreaks were notified until 14 September 2020, of which 16 outbreaks in 2020.
Due to the findings of ASF infected wild boars and pigs, regionalization was established in accordance with the EU regulation, with ASF infected area (as specified in part I of the Annex to EC Decision 2014/709/EU) and ASF high risk area (as specified in part II of the Annex to EC Decision 2014/709/EU).
Additionally, ASF buffer zones were created in the districts bordering Poland and Hungary. By reducing the population of wild game and strict hygiene, experts are trying to reduce the risk of the disease penetrating domestic and commercial farms.
Source: Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
