According to recent news reports from the region, the outbreak is at its peak and is leading to large-scale culling operations to prevent further spread. Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia are among the hardest-hit countries. At the end of last week, these countries held an emergency consultation. In Bulgaria, approximately 60,000 pigs have been culled as a result of the outbreak.
The situation is considered alarming by the European Commission, as the disease could spread further to other EU countries if decisive measures are not taken. European Commissioner Stella Kyriakides (Health and Food Safety) states that financial support can be provided to help the affected countries cope with the crisis.
The situation has also led to tensions between the Balkan countries and other EU member states, as there are concerns about the possible spread of the disease. Euronews reports that some EU countries are worried that the affected Balkan countries are not doing enough to control the outbreak. According to Reuters, there have also been reports of new cases of swine fever in other European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic.
The request for financial compensation comes at a time when the agricultural sector is already severely impacted by the global pandemic. The swine fever outbreak has made it more difficult for farmers to keep their businesses running and has resulted in major losses in livestock farming, especially in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Balkan countries.
Besides the economic consequences, the swine fever outbreak also poses a threat to the food supply in the region. With tens of thousands of pigs culled, this could lead to a shortage of pork and higher prices for consumers.