On Thursday, 13 July, Member State experts endorsed an update of EU control measures to combat the spread of African swine fever (ASF), ahead of the expected summer peak of activity of the disease.

The new Commission Decision modifies ASF regionalisation within the EU. These regionalised restrictions, reviewing the disease control measures for Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, adapt the measures to the evolution of the situation in the field as assurance that the disease free areas remain disease free.

On 27 June 2017 the competent authority of the Czech Republic confirmed, for the first time, a case of ASF in wild boar (Zlin region). Expert EU veterinary emergency team deployed to the field on 30 June indicated that the human factor is the likely source of virus introduction to a new area. The Member States confirmed, on 13 July, the measures taken by the Commission on 28 June 2017 via specific safeguard measures for the Czech Republic. In practice this means that wild boar products will not be allowed to leave the infected area and pigs will not be moved from the infected area for intra-Union trade. In addition, the competent authority will have to increase the surveillance of wild boars and pig holdings in the region.

The Member States and Commission experts also discussed ASF regionalisation Strategy, which is aimed at achieving eradication of disease by the application of harmonised measures. The update of the strategy aims to take on board the experience gathered so far fighting African swine fever.

For more information:

Europa: Animal Diseases website,
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1162 of 28 June 2017 and
Animal Health and Welfare committee