On July 30, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issued a statement confirming an outbreak of African swine fever at a facility located in Dalj, within the Erdut Municipality of Osijek-Baranja County. Additionally, another outbreak was reported in the Municipality of Jagodnjak. Furthermore, on July 25, 2025, African swine fever was detected in the carcasses of four wild boars discovered along the banks of the Danube River, adjacent to the Porić Forest.
On July 29, 2025, Serbia reported 51 confirmed outbreaks of African swine fever, with the majority occurring in the Mačva region, particularly along the banks of the Danube River. This development indicates an increased circulation of the African swine fever virus in the area, presenting a significant threat to pig farming operations.
In response to the escalating incidence of African swine fever, the Ministry has formally adopted a Decision regarding the establishment of a protection zone and a surveillance zone, which encompasses the following measures: Protection Zone:
- The Protection Zone encompasses the Erdut Municipality, specifically the Aljmaš settlement and the area of the Dalj settlement situated to the north of State Road D213.
Surveillance Zone:
- The Surveillance Zone includes the Erdut Municipality, covering the settlements of Erdut and Bijelo Brdo, as well as the area of the Dalj settlement located to the south of State Road D213.
In facilities that are infected and epidemiologically related, as well as within designated protection and surveillance zones, the competent veterinary services are executing measures in accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. These actions are essential to suppress and prevent the further spread of this highly infectious and dangerous disease affecting pigs. Additionally, as of yesterday, depopulation measures have been instituted in the Jagodnjak Municipality to mitigate the transmission of the virus as effectively as possible.
It is essential to enforce strict biosecurity measures throughout the production process. This includes daily operations within animal facilities, the movement of animals, and the entry of vehicles and personnel, as well as accurate record-keeping and the proper use of equipment. Particular caution is required during agricultural and forestry activities nearby, necessitating thorough cleaning and disinfection before re-entering the facility. Additionally, the use of protective footwear and clothing on-site is mandatory to maintain biosecurity standards.
In the implementation and management of biosecurity measures, the primary responsibility rests with the entities involved. Their essential task is to establish and maintain appropriate measures within their facilities and to ensure that these measures are consistently enforced.
Implementing biosecurity measures is essential, but it is equally important to conduct daily observations of animals. Monitoring their health and production is key to identifying any deviations from normal behaviour. If any irregularities are detected, it is vital to report them promptly to a veterinarian for further assessment and assistance.
The primary purpose of early reporting of changes in health and production characteristics in pig farming is to detect diseases early, to take urgent measures to suppress and prevent the spread of diseases, as well as to reduce unwanted economic consequences for producers, consumers and the economy in general.
More information and the current situation can be found on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
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