July 28, 2023

African swine fever detected at Estonian farm, over 9,000 swine to be culled

African swine fever (ASF) has been detected at a farm in Polva County, south of Estonia, with over 9,000 swine to be culled, Estonian Public Broadcasting reported.

The affected farm is owned by Rakvere Farmid AS, Estonia's largest swine breeding company. In response to the outbreak, strict restrictions have been imposed around the facility to contain the disease.

Estonia's Agriculture and Food Board received information about the outbreak on Wednesday and promptly took action.

To achieve this, the agency will lead the comprehensive disinfection of the entire facility. Furthermore, a 10km restriction zone has been established around the affected farm, affecting another swine farm in the area.

This second farm will also be subject to movement restrictions for animals and materials associated with swine-keeping, aiming to mitigate potential disease transmission.

Rakvere Farmid AS, the company affected, will be eligible for compensation to mitigate the financial impact of the outbreak.

Markus Kirsberg, CEO of HKScan Baltics, which owns Rakvere Farmid AS, expressed the importance of the farm's production, as it supplies the company's swine raising operations and serves as a vital source for Rakvere meat industry.

Estonian authorities have been grappling with ASF outbreaks, with previous cases reported in Rouge Municipality, Voru County, resulting in the culling of 116 swine. Additionally, 17 wild boars have tested positive for ASF in Polva County this year, with a total of 40 cases across the country.

-      Estonian Public Broadcasting