African swine fever outbreaks prompt measures in Serbia and Croatia

In Serbia, the African swine fever outbreak has led to the death or culling of 23,994 pigs since the start of the year. Authorities, including Nenad Budimović of the Livestock and Meat Processing Association, say the loss will not cause pork price hikes in markets, noting that the remaining supply is sufficient. Compensation of about 24.9 million dinars has been paid to farmers for euthanised animals, and strict bio‑security actions such as farm inspections, transport controls and bans on forest access have been reinforced. Veterinary experts stress that the virus does not threaten human health, but it remains highly contagious among pigs.

In Croatia, new cases of African swine fever were confirmed in the villages of Beničanci and Gajić. The government issued a resolution establishing protection and monitoring zones across several municipalities in Osijek‑Baranja and Virovitica‑Podravina counties. Farmers are reminded of mandatory bio‑security measures, and violations may result in sanctions. The heightened controls aim to contain the spread and protect the national swine herd.