Moldovan government spokesperson on swine fever situation

Government spokesperson Daniel Vodă assured that the authorities understand the concerns of the residents from the villages of Calfa, Calfa-Nouă and Roșcani in Anenii Noi district, where a complex process of eradicating African swine fever (ASF) is taking place. All state institutions responsible are fully involved to ensure the process is safe for both people and environment. Daniel Vodă made the statement after today’s cabinet meeting.

The official said that the burial of slaughtered pigs is carried out in accordance with international norms, the process is monitored by several experts from the country and abroad.


“The selected site for the burial of pigs is the local landfill. The soil layer is predominantly clay, with a low permeability capacity, which represents the first barrier to limiting infiltration and contamination of groundwater. Moreover, the perimeter of the burial pit is not in the protection area of the Bâc River. The burial procedure is carried out with strict adherence to national and international sanitary-veterinary standards. During the process, disinfectant layers based on lime chloride are applied between the burial levels, which constitutes another action to limit biological and environmental risks. Additionally, the burial pits have a depth ranging from 6 to 9 meters. The landfill boundaries have been raised to protect neighboring territories, and perimeter delimitation signs have been installed. The red zone will be fenced off with a protective barrier,” explained Vodă.


He pointed out that the situation in the localities where ASF outbreaks were identified is being closely monitored by all competent bodies.


“The authorities are fully mobilized, the situation is under control at this stage, and the country's food security is not at risk. The slaughter of infected pigs is carried out in strict compliance with sanitary-veterinary standards, work is underway to eradicate the outbreaks and provide compensation to affected farmers,” Vodă said.


The cited source urged citizens not to fall prey to misinformation, to get information from competent and correct sources, and to show solidarity.


“African swine fever exists and no one wished for such a situation, but with joint efforts and understanding, we will overcome this,” he said.


The situation on the meat market in the Republic of Moldova and how the activity of meat processors is affected as a result of identifying two African swine fever outbreaks was discussed yesterday.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean mentioned that this serious disease has impacted not only the Republic of Moldova but the entire region. Authorities have taken all necessary measures to stop the virus spread and are analyzing how to limit the economic impact of the outbreaks.


“The situation has affected both meat producers and processors. We do not want to discourage investments but must also care for processors, ensuring they have sufficient raw materials at reasonable prices. We must manage the situation correctly to prevent a rise in final product prices, ensuring competitiveness and fair competition,” said the Prime Minister.


The National Agency for Food Safety announced on March 17 the detection of an ASF outbreak in Roșcani. Subsequently, another outbreak was confirmed at a commercial pig farm in Cimișeni.

In March, nine ASF outbreaks were reported in the Republic of Moldova: one outbreak in Ghidighici, Chișinău municipality; four outbreaks in the localities of Chetrosu, Bulboaca, Roșcani and Telița, Anenii Noi district; two outbreaks in Copceac village, Ceadâr-Lunga district; one outbreak at a pig farm in Anenii Noi district; one outbreak at a pig farm in Criuleni district. In total, since the beginning of the year, 31 ASF outbreaks have been identified, of which 19 have been successfully eradicated.