African swine fever outbreak in Costești. Two dead pigs found abandoned in an orchard
Two pig carcasses were found abandoned in an orchard near Costești in Ialoveni district. Authorities disinfected the area, and after lab tests confirmed African swine fever, they introduced special control measures.
The National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) states that the incident was reported to its Ialoveni subdivision on May 4.
“At the scene, veterinarians found the bodies of two domestic pigs, each weighing over 100 kg, irresponsibly abandoned in a fruit orchard,” the institution said in a press release.
Local authorities, police and environmental inspectors were informed about the case. The pigs were buried, and the place where they were found was disinfected.
Until the risk of the disease spreading is completely eliminated, the sale of live pigs and meat is restricted. At the same time, mandatory weekly testing of pig herds from commercial farms throughout the country will continue.
In households, the population is warned not to feed pigs with food scraps and to prevent their contact with foreign animals or wild boars. It is also recommended not to buy piglets without a veterinary certificate issued by a veterinarian.
To counter the spread of the disease, ANSA is offering a financial reward of 50 euros for each confirmed notification leading to the identification of a wild boar corpse.
“With this gesture, you not only benefit from a reward, but you directly contribute to stopping the spread of the disease across the country,” the institution states.
Since the beginning of 2025, 26 outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been registered in the Republic of Moldova, of which 10 in domestic pigs and 8 in wild boars.
