ZAGREB, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Croatia's government on Friday partially lifted the protection and surveillance zones set up to contain African swine fever (ASF), citing an improving epidemiological situation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajcic said at a press conference on Friday that no new ASF outbreaks had been confirmed among domestic pigs since Aug. 4, emphasizing that control measures are working.
Vlajcic said the virus remains present among wild boar populations, but the improved situation has allowed authorities to gradually reduce restrictions for pig farmers.
He noted that 5,000 pigs have been culled so far this year, about a third of last year's figure, out of a total national herd of around 900,000.
Since a new outbreak was confirmed on June 9 this year, Croatia's Agriculture Ministry has carried out enhanced veterinary surveillance, biosecurity checks, and wild boar population control measures.
According to the ministry, as of Aug. 26, 130 ASF outbreaks have been confirmed at pig farms in Croatia. ■
