The European Commission on Monday loosened control measures over swine fever in Slovakia at the recommendation of veterinary experts.
Pigs now may be moved from farm-to-farm and from farm-to-slaughter within Slovakia under certain conditions.
The ban on the movement of pigs, pig semen, ova and embryos from Slovakia to other European Union (EU) member states and third countries is maintained.
Interim control measures were put in place last week following the confirmation of outbreaks of classical swine fever in Slovakia.
The disease situation in Slovakia was discussed at Monday's meeting of veterinary experts from EU member states at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
Two outbreaks of classical swine fever have been reported in two commercial pig farms in Slovakia. The Slovak authorities have taken rigorous measures to control the disease. All pigs in the two farms -- around 20,000 in total -- are being killed and destroyed.
Slovakian authorities discovered that contacts have occurred between the two infected farms and other pig farms in Slovakia, which are now under strict control.
However, more time will be required to complete these investigations, said the commission, the executive body of the EU. An expert epidemiologist from the EU will be dispatched to Slovakia to help investigate.
Source:Xinhua
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