The Balkan countries are asking the European Commission for financial compensation for the growing outbreak of swine fever, which has led to the culling of tens of thousands of piglets and pigs in the region. The disease has spread rapidly in the Balkans in recent days and has significant economic consequences.
The outbreak is at its peak, according to recent news reports from the region, and is leading to large-scale cleanup operations to prevent further spread. Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia and Croatia are some of the hardest hit countries. At the end of last week, those countries held emergency consultations. In Bulgaria, about 60,000 pigs have been culled as a result of the outbreak.
The situation is alarming, according to 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) says financial aid can be provided to help 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 potential spread of the disease. Euronews reports that some EU countries are concerned that affected Balkan countries are not doing enough to contain the outbreak. According to Reuters, there are now also reports from other European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic, where new cases of swine fever have also been detected.
The request for financial compensation comes at a time when the agricultural sector has already been hit hard by the global pandemic. The swine fever outbreak has made it more difficult for farmers to keep their businesses running and has led to huge losses in livestock farming, especially in Poland, Romania. Bulgaria and the Balkan countries.
In addition to the economic consequences, the swine fever outbreak also poses a threat to the food supply in the region. With tens of thousands of pigs being culled, this could lead to pork shortages and higher prices for consumers.