Hungarian livestock keepers must also pay attention to the protection against African swine fever (ASF) that has appeared in Slovakia

(Photo: Pixabay)

The Minister reminded that the ASP virus has also appeared in domestic pig herds in Slovakia, as a result of which more than 18 thousand animals have to be eliminated in one affected farm in our northern neighbor. A surveillance zone has been established in connection with the disease, which minimally extends into Hungary, however, there are no pig farms or domestic animals susceptible to the disease in this area. In view of the current situation, it is particularly important to draw the attention of Hungarian pig keepers to prevention and the importance of complying with disease control rules, he added.

István Nagy also emphasized that veterinarians, pig farmers and hunters must pay special attention to protection

In Hungary, the disease is currently only present in wild boar populations. Only strict and consistent compliance with epidemiological regulations can be a guarantee. The most important goal is to maintain the freedom of the Hungarian domestic pig population from the ASP virus. That is why it is essential to maintain the disease-free closure of pig farms, restrict passenger and vehicle traffic, properly store litter and feed raw materials, and it is prohibited to feed animals with food waste containing animal material. In terms of preventing the introduction of the virus, it is crucial that fresh meat or uncooked pork products do not enter our country from border traffic or from visiting relatives. Feeding pigs with food waste containing animal material is strictly prohibited, the minister drew attention to this.