ZAGREB, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Croatian authorities have expanded protection and surveillance zones following new African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in two villages in the eastern part of the country, local media reported Friday.
The new measures strictly enforce European Commission regulations to halt the virus. According to the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, key actions include restricting the movement of pigs and pork products, boosting veterinary checks, and carrying out clinical testing.
In infected and high-risk establishments, authorities are culling susceptible animals, safely disposing of carcasses, and conducting deep disinfection.
Nationwide, Croatia has enforced an emergency control order requiring strict biosecurity measures, mandatory pre-movement veterinary examinations, and passive surveillance of both domestic pigs and wild boars. The ministry has urged farmers to report any sudden deaths or suspicious symptoms immediately.
Despite its rapid spread and high mortality rate among pigs, African swine fever poses no threat to human health. The virus does not infect people and cannot be transmitted through the consumption of pork, but can cause severe economic losses of the farming sector. ■