Markvartice pig farm reports animal abortions after activist intrusion

The State Veterinary Administration (SVS) has reported an increase in abortions among sows at a pig farm in Markvartice following an unauthorized entry by animal rights activists. More than 20 activists reportedly entered the facility, owned by Zemědělská společnost Stará Říše, by climbing through ventilation windows to document living conditions.

Veterinary officials stated that the presence of many unknown individuals caused disproportionate stress to the animals, leading to the observed medical issues. Furthermore, the SVS warned that the breach of biosecurity protocols poses a severe risk of introducing dangerous diseases, such as African swine fever or classical swine fever, which could have fatal consequences for the entire agricultural sector, including the mandatory culling of all animals in the affected area.

The Regional Veterinary Administration for the Vysočina Region is conducting an investigation into the incident. SVS Director Zbyněk Semerád emphasized that no protest justifies illegal entry into livestock facilities, noting that such actions directly threaten animal health and welfare.