July 20, 2026
 

Croatia confirms 89 ASF outbreaks and 2,822 pigs culled as infection approaches largest production systems

More than 50 million euros invested in disease control since 2023 has not prevented the spread, with illegal transport and unregistered pigs identified as key contributing factors.

Croatia has confirmed 89 African swine fever outbreaks in pig establishments nationwide, with 2,822 pigs culled to date, as the infection moves closer to the country's largest production systems, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture David Vlajcic said on 18 July 2026.

Twelve new positive establishments were confirmed on 18 July alone. Vlajcic said that despite more than 50 million euros (US$57 million) invested in disease control since 2023, domestic production remains under serious threat from regulatory violations including the illegal transport and keeping of unregistered pigs.

Croatia's national crisis headquarters for ASF is set to convene early next week to adopt additional protective measures. The government's immediate objective is to preserve healthy pig stocks and avoid unnecessary culling, with a sectoral organisation linking producers and processors to be established to facilitate the timely marketing of healthy animals and mitigate economic losses.

- Xinhua