Moldovan authorities concerned about active ASF spread, see no food security threats yet

CHISINAU. March 27 (Interfax) - Moldovan authorities are taking necessary measures to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF), outbreaks of which have been recorded in several regions of the country, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean said.

"This serious disease has affected not only Moldova but the entire region. Authorities have taken all necessary measures to stop the virus's spread and are analyzing how to limit the economic consequences of outbreaks," Recean was quoted as saying at a Moldovan government meeting by the state agency Moldpres.

"The situation impacts both meat producers and processors. We don't want to deter investment, but we must also support processors by ensuring sufficient raw materials at reasonable prices. Let's manage the situation properly to prevent final product price increases and maintain competitiveness and fair competition," he said.

The Prime Minister earlier met with pork processors to discuss the ASF outbreak. "Processors highlighted the risk of pork shortages from local farms, especially during the Easter holidays," he said.

The authorities understand the concerns of residents in the villages of Calfa, Calfa Noua and Roscani of the Anenii Noi district, where complex ASF eradication measures are underway, government spokesperson Daniel Voda said.

The burial of culled swine follows international standards and is monitored by domestic and foreign experts, he said. "The burial procedure strictly complies with national and international sanitary and veterinary norms," he said.

"The authorities are fully mobilized. The situation is currently under control, and national food security faces no threats. Infected swine culling strictly follows sanitary and veterinary regulations, while outbreak containment and farmer compensation efforts are ongoing," Voda said.

In March alone, Moldova registered nine ASF outbreaks, with 31 outbreaks detected since the start of the year, of which 19 have been contained. The largest outbreak emerged on March 17 at a pig farm in the village of Roscani, which required the culling of around 65,000 animals.