Buzău authorities confirm an outbreak of African swine fever / 5,720 pigs to be culled

Authorities in Buzău County have confirmed an outbreak of African swine fever at a commercial farm in the village of Stâlpu. On Thursday afternoon, the Buzău Local Disease Control Center approved the culling of all 5,720 pigs at the farm to limit and prevent the spread of the disease.

The decision was made under the applicable veterinary and sanitary legislation and the control measures plan provided for by European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. Authorities have also established a series of restrictions for local residents.

Pigs kept in households must be confined, with no access to pastures or ponds, to prevent contact with other animals. Any suspected illness must be reported immediately to the authorized veterinarian. Until the epidemiological situation is clarified, markets, fairs, and animal and bird exhibitions are prohibited in Stâlpu.

African swine fever is not transmitted to humans, but it can cause significant economic losses and affect pig populations. Veterinary and sanitary authorities are monitoring the case and warn that failure to comply with the measures may result in fines of up to 3,600 lei.