African swine fever cases see a ‘considerable’ rise: ANSA issues recommendations for citizens
The National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) reports a "considerable increase" in African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks on the territory of the Republic of Moldova at the beginning of 2026 and urges all citizens, including livestock breeders, to take measures to prevent the spread of this deadly disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boars.
Disease prevention begins in the household, and keeping animals in protected areas, using equipment and disinfectants, and purchasing piglets only from authorized sources contribute to reducing the risk of contamination, ANSA specialists say.
At the same time, ANSA recommends maximum responsibility in handling game and observing basic hygiene. Hunters are encouraged to use specialized equipment, to immediately report wild boar carcasses to veterinarians, and not to consume meat that has not been tested for ASF or trichinosis - testing provided free of charge by ANSA. It is also important that food scraps are managed correctly and that direct contact with domestic pigs is avoided for at least two days after hunting parties.
ANSA emphasizes the importance of promptly reporting animal carcasses, offering financial rewards to those who thus contribute to monitoring and preventing the spread of the disease.
"There are no specific signs of the disease. It manifests itself through rapid death, high fever, redness or bruising of the skin, lack of appetite. For this reason, rapid collaboration with veterinarians and local authorities is vital for saving animals and, at the same time, for the possibility of benefiting from state compensation", the institution informs.
Food industry operators also play an essential role. Purchasing meat only from authorized establishments, respecting hygiene protocols and correctly managing waste prevent contamination and protect both employees and consumers.
ANSA assures that it monitors the circulation of the disease both on farms and in the wild, and in the event of an outbreak, it intervenes quickly to isolate the area, disinfect and eliminate sources of infection.
Controlling the movement of animals and checking meat products in slaughterhouses are essential so that only safe products reach the market.
We remind you that, since the beginning of this year, outbreaks of swine fever in both domestic pigs and wild boars have been recorded in five localities in the Republic of Moldova.
In Boghiceni, Hâncești district, 70 pigs were slaughtered.
In May 2025, about 65 thousand pigs from a farm in the village of Roșcani, Anenii Noi district, were slaughtered due to swine fever. As a result of this case, the price of pork increased significantly.
