April 18, 2008

EU introduces measures to curb swine fever in Slovakia
 

The European Commission has introduced measures to stop the spread of classical swine fever (CSF) in Slovakia.

Slovakia has so far reported of two CSF cases and up to 19,000 pigs were ordered to be culled.

The Commission has introduced measures including the restriction of the movement of pigs and pig products. However, the movement ban may not apply to pigs due to be slaughtered within Slovakia.

The Commission has also introduced its 'TRACES' system, an internet network that brings veterinary authorities and businesses in all EU member states together to help trace the movements of traded and imported animals and products, so that authorities can react quickly to an emergency.

Through the system, Slovakian pigs exported to other member states and countries can be tracked before the detection of the disease, which would help to control the spread of the disease.

The situation will be reviewed at an extraordinary meeting on next Monday.