African Swine Fever Strikes Slavonia Again: Will We Run Out of Cured Meats?
New Outbreak, Hundreds of Pigs Euthanized African Swine Fever (ASF) has returned to Slavonia and is spreading like wildfire. Hundreds of pigs have been euthanized on farms in the Vukovar-Srijem County, and hunters are ready to cull wild boars to stop the disease from spreading further. In the municipality of Jagodnjak alone, 14 farms were culled just on Friday and Saturday. The situation is alarming, and the disease is not under control.
Ministry of Agriculture Assures: No Shortage of Cured Meats David Vlajčić from the Ministry of Agriculture claims that despite the large number of pigs euthanized, there will be no shortage of cured meat products. The ministry reacted promptly and informed the public about the outbreak. The epidemiological situation is being monitored responsibly and professionally.
All Pigs on an Infected Farm Are Euthanized One positive case on a farm means all pigs on that farm must be euthanized. This is the only way to prevent further spread of the disease. Vlajčić emphasizes that biosafety and veterinary measures apply to all areas, regardless of restriction zones.
Relaxation of Measures and New Wave of Infection After epidemiological measures were adjusted (not relaxed) in June, the situation worsened and the virus is spreading again. The ministry is balancing between strict control and protecting domestic production with minimal damage.
Financial Aid and Support for Producers The government has guaranteed an additional 11 million euros for compensation, repopulation, and loss reduction over the next year. The ministry is in daily communication with large and small meat producers, who invest huge resources in protecting their farms.
Will We Run Out of Our Favorite Cured Meats? Although Vlajčić assures there will be no shortage, the question remains how long production can be sustained under these conditions. African Swine Fever is incurable and highly contagious, and euthanasia is the only solution. Will our tables soon be without sausages, kulen, and other delicacies? The situation is serious and demands urgent attention.
Conclusion African Swine Fever has once again shown how dangerous it is and how much it can impact agriculture and the food industry. The ministry and producers are fighting with all their might, but the virus does not relent. Will we soon feel the consequences on our own plates? Only time will tell.
So, are you ready for kulen without meat? Or do you think the panic is overblown? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for and who’s against this piggy drama!
