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"While so far the disease was only in the forest, since last week, when the disease reached domestic pigs, we live in a totally new situation. It is an aggressive disease, and we need to use all the possibilities against it," said Kruuse.

The minister says the first thing is tightening the requirements for pig farms because fighting the swine fever depends primarily on the diligence of the farmers in fulfilling biosecurity measures. "For example, we plan to make it compulsory to surround pig farms with a fence, and we lose the opportunity to have the exception of growing pigs outdoors," explained the minister.

"In observing and monitoring the new requirements, absolute zero tolerance has to be implemented, because the risks are big," said Kruuse, adding that the strict compliance with the current standards is the basis of getting compensations from the state for costs connected to the swine flu.

The first African swine fever cases in domestic pigs in Estonia were discovered last week in two farms in Viljandi and in one in Valgamaa county. More than 500 pigs were executed then. On Tuesday, the disease reaching a fourth farm was confirmed.