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The FVS representative pointed out that a state of emergency cannot be declared longer than six months and something that lasts for more than a year cannot be called an emergency situation anymore, thus, from January 1, the state of emergency connected to the African swine fever outbreak has formally ended. However, he said that all the measures implemented during the state of emergency will remain in force.

Olsevskis reminds that the last time African swine fever was established in a domestic pig was September 17, but added that wild boar infected with African swine fever are still being reported.

He also added that the measures to counter the outbreak could be in place for another three years, and added that it is important to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas.

As reported, the state of emergency that was declared in more than 40 administrative territories of Latvia due to African swine fever last year, was lifted on January 1, 2015, the Agriculture Ministry informed LETA.

The ministry told LETA that the state of emergency could be reintroduced in case the disease hits new administrative territories.

Territories hit by African swine fever have been applied with transport restrictions on live pigs and pork products until December 31, 2018.

These territories will undergo various preventive measures also after January 1, the ministry said.