Serbia declares state of emergency in parts of country due to African swine fever

2026-07-19 19:06:22, Kosova & Bota CNA

Serbia declares state of emergency in parts of country due to African swine

The African swine fever virus has broken out in seven counties and 52 settlements in Serbia, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in the affected areas, authorities announced.

Moreover, in the last two days it has also appeared in Bezdan, on the border with Croatia, and in the Southern Ba?ka District in the towns of ?abal and Gospodinci, Serbian Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamo?i? said on Saturday.

He said that a state of emergency has been declared in Ruma, Obrenovac, part of the territory of Sremska Mitrovica and in Šabac.

On Sunday, during an emergency meeting in Obrenovac due to the outbreak of African swine fever, Glamo?i? warned against the increasingly frequent and inappropriate disposal of dead animals and stressed that such behavior poses a serious threat to animal health, the environment and humans.

"Under the conditions of the state of emergency, there will be no tolerance for irresponsible behavior. Every case will be reported to the competent authorities and will be sanctioned in accordance with the law," he said.

Glamo?i?, emphasizing that the main carriers are wild boars and humans, also emphasized that the record low water level of the Danube further facilitates the spread of the disease, because wild boars can cross the river in some places.

Since the outbreak of the virus, about 28,000 pigs have been killed or died, and some farm owners have been banned from breeding for a month.

During the meeting, strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Serbian military, local governments, public utility companies and veterinary services was discussed, so that all necessary machinery, personnel and logistical support are available, the Serbian Ministry of Budget said.

Glamo?i? once again emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to biosecurity measures, timely euthanasia of infected animals and their safe disposal, in order to prevent the further spread of the virus.

He added that the virus is present in more than 70 countries around the world and in many European countries, including countries in the immediate vicinity of Serbia, therefore the continued implementation of biosecurity measures is necessary.

The minister called on local governments to assist families in providing disinfectants where necessary, but recalled that every family is obliged to implement regular disinfection and other protective measures.

This disease appeared in Europe in 2007 and is not dangerous to humans, but in the case of pigs it is a serious disease with almost 100% mortality.

In Africa, African swine fever occurs in wild boars and has a mild clinical picture, while in Europe and other parts of the world, both wild and domestic pigs are affected./rel