April 22, 2008

EU upholds ban on Slovakian pig and pig product exports

The European Commission upheld Monday an embargo on pigs and pig products from Slovakia after an outbreak there last week of highly contagious swine fever.

"The ban on the movement of pigs, pig semen, ova and embryos from Slovakia to other (European Union) member states and third countries is maintained, pending the completion of...epidemiological investigations," a statement said.

The decision, taken after a meeting of EU. veterinary experts, follows outbreaks at two commercial pig farms in Slovakia which will require the culling of around 20,000 swine.

The commission, noting that the Slovak authorities had taken "very rigorous measures to control the disease," decided to allow pigs to "be moved from farm-to-farm and from farm-to-slaughter within Slovakia under certain conditions."

Swine fever, which kills pigs but is harmless to humans, last erupted in Slovakia in 2005. However, the number of pigs to be culled is far higher than the previous record of 5,914 killed in 2004, according to local media.

Brussels plans to review the measures on May 7 and 8.