Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia intensify fight against African swine fever

Serbian officials reported that 29,241 pigs have been euthanised as African swine fever (ASK) spreads across seven districts, with the heaviest outbreaks in Srem, Mačva, parts of Belgrade and other regions. The government has intensified veterinary controls, regular operational staff meetings and announced possible involvement of up to 35,000 hunters.

In Croatia, health authorities confirmed 99 farm outbreaks and 3,758 culled pigs in the Osijek-Baranja and Virovitica-Podravina counties, plus 184 cases in wild boars. The cabinet allocated €51 million to compensate over 4,400 farmers and pledged additional hunting, drone surveillance and police support to curb the disease.

Republika Srpska’s deputy minister warned that strict bio‑security measures and farmer responsibility are essential to prevent further spread. Across the three countries, coordinated efforts involve veterinary services, law‑enforcement, hunting associations and emergency centres to protect the swine sector and limit economic damage.