Croatia and Serbia tighten African swine fever controls

In Croatia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić announced immediate additional control measures in high‑risk zones of Osijek‑Baranja and Virovitica‑Podravina counties. Veterinary inspectors, veterinarians, civil‑protection and police units will inspect farms, cull infected pigs and compensate owners at market value. The first phase covers about 450‑500 pigs on farms near the outbreak zones, with plans to extend oversight to roughly 300 of the most vulnerable holdings.

In Serbia, the Niš hunting ground remains administratively classified as an infected area despite no confirmed cases. Hunting manager Miloš Ilić said every shot wild boar will be sent for laboratory analysis to prevent spread. Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamočić reported the virus is present in eight districts, 13 municipalities and about 820 farms, with 33,850 pigs culled or euthanized since the start of the year. Authorities urge hunters, farmers and forest users to follow strict bio‑security measures such as disinfection and avoiding contact with wild boar carcasses.