Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić announced new measures against African swine fever (ASF) during a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and representatives of the Croatian Hunters’ Association. The decision includes intensified shooting of wild boars and increased presence of hunters to curb the spread of infected animals. According to Vlajčić, if necessary, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be engaged with its personnel and equipment to support the effort. He emphasized that this is a national issue affecting both pig farming and the economy, stressing the need to control the population of wild boars to effectively combat ASF. The current epicenter of the disease lies at the border between the Osijek-Baranya and Virovitica-Podravina counties. Vlajčić stated that more than 20,000 veterinary inspections have been conducted, revealing nearly 50% discrepancies, with almost a third related to biosecurity issues. These findings have been integrated into a system accessible to the State Inspectorate and Veterinary Inspection, serving as a guide on which doors to knock first. He urged greater awareness among citizens regarding adherence to biosecurity measures, stating that this would significantly improve efforts against ASF. Vlajčić highlighted that over 70,000 hunters are available in Croatia, with at least half able to be deployed if needed. The compensation for hunters has been increased from 80 euros to 100 euros per wild boar. He reiterated his call for responsibility and compliance with biosecurity protocols. Additionally, he criticized so-called conspiracy theories suggesting that the disease was deliberately introduced to harm domestic producers, emphasizing that all EU countries adhere to the same veterinary rules. He noted that while strict measures are enforced in Croatia, similar actions are taken elsewhere in the EU. President of the Croatian Hunters’ Association Mato Čičak confirmed that the association and hunters are ready to be mobilized by the government and relevant ministry. Last year’s intensified hunting resulted in an increase of around 20,000 more wild boars shot. From April onwards, there were approximately 500 more wild boars shot in five affected counties. It was decided that teams will be formed in these areas to meet weekly and exchange information with the Ministry of Agriculture. These teams will respond promptly to areas where excessive numbers of wild boars are detected. The Croatian Farmers’ Union (HPK) warned that domestic pig farming is on the brink of collapse, with farmers struggling against imports and losses, and ASF representing the final blow threatening complete sector shutdown. President Željko Mihelić stated that tolerance for inefficiency has reached its limit, noting that farmers can no longer afford others’ inefficiencies. While some sectors within the Ministry of Agriculture have shown understanding, this period has ended. He pointed out that while livestock keepers implement rigorous biosecurity measures, uncontrolled populations of wild boars continue to roam freely through forests. This situation is attributed to partial interests and open obstruction by parts of hunting associations, which the Ministry has tolerated too long. HPK argues that the policy of voluntary culling has completely failed, citing experiences from Denmark, Germany, and Poland as evidence. In these countries, ASF is controlled through decisive state action rather than recommendations. They explain that Denmark and Germany have removed autonomy from hunters in crisis zones and deployed professional teams, while Poland has imposed legal and financial accountability on hunting associations for spreading the infection from their hunting grounds. HPK urges the Ministry to stop relying on a non-functional system and activate professional forces, specialized teams, and even military logistics if required. They warn that ASF is leading the country toward total production cessation and emphasize that the union has offered partnership but only if results are achieved. If the sector is destroyed due to hunting lobbying, the Ministry will bear sole responsibility for the consequences. History will remember only saved or extinguished farms, they say. They conclude that the era of political compromises has passed and demand urgent activation of all state mechanisms to combat ASF. They argue that wild boars in crisis areas should be treated as a biological threat managed by the state, not solely as game animals. They stress that this is not a call for dialogue but a demand for action, warning that tomorrow many families may no longer exist.
4 reports
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9511 days agoThe Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, along with representatives from the Croatian Hunters' Association, has agreed on intensified measures to combat African Swine Fever (ASF). These include increased shooting of wild boars and enhanced presence of hunters to control their population and prevent further spread of the disease. The minister emphasized that this is a national issue affecting livestock farming and the economy. He noted that over 70,000 hunters are available, with at least half able to be deployed if needed. Financial incentives for hunters have been increased from 80 to 100 euros per wild boar. The ministry plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Internal Affairs if necessary. Over 20,000 veterinary inspections were conducted, revealing significant discrepancies, particularly related to biosecurity. The head of the Hunters' Association stated that these measures have already led to an increase in the number of wild boars shot. A task force will be formed in five affected counties to share information and respond to areas with high wild boar populations.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual update on government actions regarding ASF control without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on decisions made by officials and collaboration with hunting associations, focusing on practical measures rather than ideological stances. While the issue is
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports the new cases of ASF confirmed in Osječko-baranjska županija and the current status of the outbreak. It provides specific locations and statistics, aligning with the primary source information.
Why objectivity (95): The article is entirely objective, presenting the facts about the new ASF cases and the measures being taken without any subjective interpretation or bias.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7010 days ago Farmers: Pig farming is on the brink of collapse, ASK is the final blowThe Croatian Farmers' Chamber (HPK) has warned that domestic pig farming is on the brink of collapse due to the African Swine Fever (ASF), which they describe as the final blow to the sector. They accuse local hunters' associations of inefficiency and obstruction, claiming that their lack of action has led to the unchecked spread of ASF through wild boar populations. The HPK argues that countries like Denmark, Germany, and Poland successfully controlled ASF by removing hunter autonomy in crisis zones, deploying professional teams, and holding hunters legally accountable. They demand immediate state intervention, including the activation of specialized units and military logistics if necessary, and warn that failure to act will result in the complete destruction of the pork industry. The chamber emphasizes that Minister David Vlajčić must enforce strict measures to prevent further losses.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a systemic failure of the current system, particularly highlighting the inefficiency of hunters' associations and the need for stronger state control. It uses strong language such as 'biological bomb,' 'uncontrolled population of wild boars,' and 'complete destruction
Why factuality (85): Similar to item 2, this article focuses on the economic impact and quotes the HPK president. It mentions the 'biological bomb' metaphor, which is used in the primary source, but again lacks specific details about the incident in question. It aligns with the primary source in terms of the overall nar
Why objectivity (70): The tone is more confrontational, especially toward the Ministry of Agriculture, using strong language like 'otvorena opstrukcija' and 'potpuni krah.' This suggests a more critical stance than the primary source.
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7010 days agoThe article reports on the crisis facing Croatia's pig farming sector, highlighting concerns over the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak and the failure of current measures to control it. The Croatian Farmers' Association (HPK) has stopped remaining silent and issued a final warning that domestic pig farming is on the brink of collapse due to imports, significant losses, and the ASF threat. President Željko Mihelić criticizes the Ministry of Agriculture for inefficiency, pointing out that while farmers implement strict biosecurity measures, uncontrolled wild boar populations continue to spread the disease. He accuses certain hunting associations of obstructing efforts by prioritizing their interests over public health. HPK argues that voluntary culling policies have failed and calls for stricter state intervention, including the deployment of professional teams and potential military logistical support. They warn that further spread of ASF could lead to the complete cessation of pig farming in Croatia, emphasizing that the responsibility for any resulting damage would fall solely on the Ministry of Agriculture.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue as a systemic failure of the government and agricultural ministry, criticizing their inefficiency and lack of action. It emphasizes the need for strong state intervention and holds the Ministry accountable for the crisis. While it does not explicitly advocate for a left-
Why factuality (85): Article reports on HPK’s concerns about the state of pig farming, citing data from the primary source document regarding the spread of African swine fever and the impact on farmers. It includes quotes from HPK president Željko Mihelić, aligning with the primary source’s emphasis on the crisis. Howev
Why objectivity (70): The tone leans towards criticism of government inefficiency and highlights the plight of farmers, which could be seen as slightly biased toward the agricultural sector. While factual, the article frames the issue more as a systemic failure than a purely technical or health-related concern.
Jutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 759 days agoPrime Minister Andrej Plenković stated during a cabinet meeting that the Croatian government has so far paid approximately 51 million euros for the cleanup of past damage caused by African swine fever (ASK) and support for pig farmers, benefiting around 4,400 users. He mentioned that he held a meeting this week with relevant institutions and key stakeholders in Croatia’s agricultural and food sectors to discuss efforts to control ASK. Plenković emphasized the importance of responsible behavior and adherence to regulations to protect Croatian pig farming. Additional measures include increasing the culling of wild pigs and coordination with the Hunting Association, as well as continuing efforts to combat ASK, which has been present in the country for three years. According to recent reports, as of July 22 at noon, there have been 101 confirmed outbreaks of ASK on farms with pigs and 187 cases among wild pigs. Local crisis centers have reported that 3,758 pigs have been culled in the Osijek-Baranja and Virovitica-Podravina counties to prevent further spread of the disease.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about government spending related to African swine fever, mentions the Prime Minister's actions and statements, and includes data from official sources. The tone is neutral, presenting the information without overtly favoring any side or using biased language
Why factuality (80): The article discusses the financial impact of ASF on Croatian farmers and references the HPK’s concerns. However, it lacks direct mention of the specific incident involving the vet and farmer, relying more on general statements about the economic consequences. It aligns with the primary source in te
Why objectivity (75): The article has a slightly more critical tone towards the government and industry, suggesting a potential bias against the current policies. It highlights the challenges faced by farmers but doesn't present multiple perspectives equally.
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