Croatia culls 12,000 pigs combating African Swine Fever outbreak

Croatia is facing a severe outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), leading to the culling of nearly 12,000 pigs in the eastern region to contain the disease, which is highly contagious and fatal to pigs but harmless to humans. The outbreak was detected primarily in Osijek-Baranja canton, with irregularities in biosecurity measures found on many farms. Croatian authorities, including the agriculture minister David Vlajčić, are coordinating civil protection, police, veterinarians, and local communities to prevent further spread, including stricter border controls and the involvement of the military. Vlajčić and other officials have not ruled out the possibility that the outbreak could be a form of "special war" against Croatia, citing the virus's appearance on high-biosafety farms and illegal trade as potential factors. Experts warn that the outbreak threatens Croatia's pork industry, with potential long-term economic consequences, including rising pork prices and a significant reduction in pig self-sufficiency if the virus hits reproductive centers. The government is emphasizing strict adherence to biosecurity protocols to mitigate the crisis and prevent further damage.