Serbian authorities tighten African swine fever response amid expanding outbreak

Serbian officials confirmed African swine fever (ASF) in 496 pig farms across 18 municipalities and eight administrative districts, resulting in the death of 1,015 pigs and the euthanasia of more than 10,500 animals. The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Dragan Glamočić, announced a series of new measures: maximum penalties for non‑compliance, bans on entering forested areas near outbreaks, intensified inspections, and the formation of local operational teams to enforce biosafety rules. The government also warned that repeat violations could lead to permanent bans on pig‑keeping.

In neighboring Hungary, the animal health authority lifted the protective zone around a previously infected pig herd in Szabolcs‑Szatmár‑Bereg county after a series of negative test results. While the regional restriction was removed, the area remains listed under EU type‑III controls, and a formal request to delete it from the EU’s restricted‑area register is expected in September.

Both countries continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that the virus does not pose a risk to human health but can spread via contaminated equipment, clothing, and transport.