EU – Baltic States, Foodstuff, Legislation

Such a decision was made during a meeting between the agriculture ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland.

The minister agreed that joint measures must be taken by all four countries in order to combat the spread of African swine fever, and so that all four countries have a common stance on this matter within the European Union.

''For example, a common position is necessary in our talks with the European Commission for co-financing to help combat the spread of the disease, as well as for compensations and other support mechanisms,'' Latvian Agriculture Minister Janis Duklavs (Greens/Farmers) explained.

Close cooperation between the Baltics and Poland is need also to implemented prevention measures throughout the region, and to make sure this is coordinated at a high level.

As reported, African swine fever in Lithuania and Poland was established for the first time at the beginning of this year.

African swine fever was first confirmed in Latvia on June 26, in the carcasses of three dead wild boars found just a few meters from the Belarusian border.

A week later, Saema declared a state of emergency from July 2 until October 1 in Ambeli County, Bikernieki County, Demene County, Dubna County, Laucesa County, Malinova County, Naujene County, Saliena County, Skrudaliena County, Tabore County, Vecsaliena County, Viski County of Daugavpils Region; Aglona Region, Kraslava Region, Dagda Region, Zilupe Region; Kaunata County, Makonkalns County, Pusa County of Rezekne Region; Brigi County, Isnauda County, Istra County, Nirza County, Nuksi County, Pilda County, Rundeni County of Ludza Region, and Cibla Region.

On July 22, Saeima also declared a state of emergency in Rezekne, Ludza, Aloja, mazsalaca, Rujiena, Naukseni, Valka, Burtnieki, Koceni, Beverina, Strenci, Priekuli, Rauna, Smiltene, Ape, Aluksne, Vilaka, Balvi, Rugaji, Baltinava, Karsava, Preili and Riebini regions.