ASK in Serbia: 27,000 pigs euthanized since the beginning of the year

As of early 2026, over 27,000 pigs have been euthanized in Serbia due to the African swine fever outbreak, confirmed by Minister of Agriculture Dragan Glamoćić during a press briefing on Friday. The disease has led to an emergency situation in several regions, including Rum, Obrenovac, and Sremska Mitrovica, with additional declarations pending in other municipalities. The majority of affected areas are located along the borders of the Srem and Mačvian districts, as well as within Belgrade’s territory, according to Glamoćić. These regions are known for having the highest number of domestic pig farmers. However, he also noted the presence of wild boars and expressed concern over the issue of people releasing pigs outside of controlled farming operations, despite knowing this practice is prohibited. He emphasized the need for stricter control measures and harsher penalties for violations. Farmers were advised to implement strict biosecurity protocols and conduct regular disinfection procedures. Glamoćić urged them to act promptly upon noticing initial signs of illness, stressing the importance of swift intervention to prevent further spread. The government has scheduled a high-level national meeting to discuss new measures aimed at curbing the disease's progression. This meeting will include representatives from the presidency office, the prime minister’s office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Serbian Armed Forces, alongside local authorities responsible for the areas where outbreaks have been recorded. According to official data, as of July 9, the African swine fever has been confirmed in 496 farms across 18 municipalities and eight administrative districts. Compensation payments for the euthanized animals have already exceeded 211,000 euros. The ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with local authorities to ensure compliance with health regulations and to minimize the impact of the outbreak on both livestock and the broader agricultural sector. The outbreak has raised concerns among farmers and officials alike, highlighting the challenges posed by the disease's rapid spread and the potential economic losses associated with large-scale culling. While the government has taken steps to address the crisis, including increased surveillance and enforcement actions, the long-term implications remain uncertain. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt more rigorous hygiene practices and to report suspected cases immediately to help contain the outbreak. The involvement of multiple governmental bodies underscores the severity of the situation and the coordinated effort required to manage the crisis effectively. As the meeting proceeds, decisions on further containment strategies, resource allocation, and support mechanisms for affected farmers are expected to be announced. The response so far reflects a commitment to controlling the epidemic, though the effectiveness of these measures will depend on continued vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders.