Moldova: New ASF outbreak confirmed in Drochia
A new African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak has been confirmed in Moldova's Drochia district after 16 dead domestic pigs were found discarded in a wheat field between Ochiul Alb and Nicoreni, the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) announced.
The carcasses, which were badly decomposed and weighed over 200 kilograms each, were discovered on June 15, after the administrator of agricultural land alerted Drochia's Territorial Subdivision for Food Safety.
Veterinarians, police, and environmental inspectors responded to the scene, took samples, and buried the animals. The affected area was then disinfected. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the ASF virus.
The Drochia and Râșcani districts have been quarantined. Within these areas, the sale of live pigs and pork from private households, including in farmers' markets, is prohibited. Additionally, strict controls are being carried out on animal movement and the monitoring of wild boar populations.
An investigation has been launched to identify the individuals who illegally abandoned the carcasses. They face severe penalties, including liability for damages.
The National Food Safety Agency reminds farmers that African Swine Fever is a fatal disease for pigs and that the only method of protection is strict adherence to biosecurity measures: raising pigs in secure enclosures, ensuring proper feeding, preventing contact with outside animals, and immediately notifying a veterinarian in case of illness or death.
Since the beginning of the year, Moldova has registered 36 ASF outbreaks, with 12 of them in the Drochia district alone. Approximately 118,000 pigs have been culled to limit the virus's spread, including 65,000 animals from a farm in Roșcani, Anenii Noi, and 45,000 from another farm in Cimișeni, Criuleni. Additionally, 25 infected wild boar carcasses have been detected.
ANSA urges the public to act responsibly and cooperate with authorities to prevent the disease's spread and protect livestock.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
