African swine fever (ASF) has been detected on a large pig farm in Moldova, resulting in the slaughter of tens of thousands of pigs, according to reports.
The virus was detected at the large commercial pig farm on the outskirts of Roscani village of Anenii Noi district and confirmed by laboratory tests in samples collected from pigs. The National Food Safety Agency told IPN that the farm has about 65,000 pigs.
About 30 outbreaks of ASF have been confirmed in Moldova so far this year, the report added.
The Commission for Emergency Situations of Anenii Noi district quickly approved a series of measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
It called on pig owners to urgently inform the local food safety subdivisions, veterinarians or local authorities in case of illness and death of animals or detection of wild boar carcasses. Owners are also urged not to provide food waste to pigs to eat and to comply with the biosecurity requirements.
Meanwhile, people in Moldova are being urged not to bring pork food products from neighbouring countries into the country, as they will be confiscated and destroyed.
Farms and owners of pigs can receive compensation if their animals are affected by the disease. It is based on the market price of the animal at the time of slaughter, taking into account the age, weight and genetic value.
Moldova is just one of a number of European countries to report ASF outbreaks this year.