Italy keeps watch as new ASF cases emerge in Croatia, Slovenia

ITALY – Italy has managed to reduce African Swine Fever (ASF) restrictions in some regions after months of control efforts, but new cases reported in Croatia and Slovenia are raising fears that progress could be undone.

In Croatia, authorities confirmed ASF on a small pig farm and immediately ordered the culling of infected animals while assessing the possible spread.

Slovenian officials have intensified monitoring and reminded both farmers and hunters about strict hygiene measures designed to limit the risk of transmission.

Given the close proximity of these outbreaks, veterinary experts caution that Italy must stay alert as wild boar movements and contaminated vehicles or equipment could reintroduce the disease.

To safeguard the country’s pig industry, they stress that continuous surveillance, early detection, and rapid containment will be necessary in the coming months.

Vietnam Reporting Sharp Increase in ASF Cases

While Italy works to secure its borders, Vietnam is experiencing rising pressure on pork supply as ASF continues to spread across its provinces.

Government figures show 514 outbreaks have been recorded this year in 28 of the country’s 34 provinces and cities, resulting in the slaughter of more than 30,000 pigs.

The government has warned that the worsening situation threatens pig farming operations, food security, and environmental stability.

In response, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a directive calling on local administrations and agencies to act swiftly in stopping further spread of the virus.

Although Vietnam approved the commercial use of domestically developed ASF vaccines in 2023, coverage remains limited among pig herds.

A livestock officer in Quang Ngai province said only about 30 percent of pigs had received the vaccine, and the reasons for the low uptake are still being examined.

The officer suggested issues with distribution, pricing, or confidence in the vaccine’s performance could be holding back broader use.

Another provincial source confirmed similar concerns and said local authorities were still reviewing obstacles preventing mass immunization.

Neither the Department of Animal Health nor AVAC Vietnam JSC, the country’s main vaccine producer, commented on questions about the matter.

In June, AVAC Vietnam reported distributing three million doses in the domestic market and exporting 600,000 doses to the Philippines and Indonesia.

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