Agriculture Ministry Confirms African Swine Fever on Farm in Slovakia

Bratislava, May 5 (TASR) - African swine fever has been confirmed on a farm in Dolne Semerovce (Nitra region), with the Regional Veterinary and Food Administration (RVPS) in Levice implementing measures in the outbreak area as well as in three- and ten-kilometre restricted zones, Agriculture Ministry spokeswoman Veronika Danicova told TASR on Monday. The disease poses no risk to humans. "On May 2, 2025, the National Reference Laboratory in Zvolen (Banska Bystrica region) confirmed the first outbreak of African swine fever in domestic pigs in Slovakia in 2025. The positive sample came from a pig on a farm in Dolne Semerovce municipality, Levice district, which exhibited signs of the disease. The farm houses approximately 18,458 pigs [for meat production]. The necessary depopulation will begin on May 5, 2025," the ministry stated, adding that the cause of the infection is under investigation. The carcasses will be processed at a facility in accordance with legislation. The State and Regional Veterinary and Food Administration in Levice has taken necessary measures to prevent the spread of African swine fever in domestic herds, including by setting up a three-kilometre protection zone and a ten-kilometre surveillance zone, and by overseeing the culling at the affected farm. The Agriculture Ministry reminded the public that the slaughter of pigs at home must be reported to the Levice Regional Veterinary and Food Administration at least one working day in advance, and a sample must be taken to test for African swine fever. The meat and organs may be used for home consumption only after a negative test result is confirmed. Movements of pigs between farms are prohibited in the outbreak area until further notice. Other animal species or pig carcasses may only be moved with permission from RVPS. Pig-killing is also only allowed with authorisation and under RVPS supervision. The transport of pork or pig products between farms is likewise banned. African swine fever is a highly contagious and fatal disease affecting pigs and wild boars. It spreads via contact with infected animals, their waste, secretions or raw meat products. Symptoms include high fever, apathy, internal bleeding and an enlarged spleen. Mortality is nearly 100 percent, and affected animals must be culled. The disease is incurable, with no vaccine, but it doesn't affect humans or other animal species, noted the Agriculture Ministry. lin/df