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OIE declares Estonian domestic pigs free from ASF

BC, Tallinn, 24.01.2020.Print version
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has given Estonia the status of a country with domestic pigs free from African swine fever (ASF), informed LETA/BNS.

Deputy director general of the Veterinary and Food Board, Olev Kalda, said that this is a great recognition. "As no ASF has been detected in domestic pigs in Estonia for two years, it was possible to declare domestic pigs as free from ASF. The status of being a country free from ASF also boosts confidence in the eyes of trading partners and, at the example of Belgium, it can be said that companies have been able to gain access to many foreign markets with their products thanks to achieving the status of being free from ASF," Kalda said.


The manager of the Estonian Hunters' Society, Tonis Korts, said that great work has been done in combating African swine fever and keeping it away from pig farms, which can also be measured in money. "Although African swine fever is still found in wild boars, the immunity of domestic pigs is the result of good cooperation," Korts added.


Contributions to achieving the status of being free from African swine fever were made by the Estonian Hunters' Society, the Environmental Board, the Environmental Agency, the Environmental Inspectorate, the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the Estonian Veterinary and Food Laboratory. OIE has also granted the status of ASF free country to Canada, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Kazakhstan and Mexico.


The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) was established in 1924 to fight animal diseases across the world. It is an organization responsible for animal health and welfare worldwide. Altogether 182 countries from around the world have joined the organization, including Estonia in 1992. The OIE is responsible for gathering information on the spread of animal diseases in different countries and developing guidelines on animal disease management.






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