African Swine Fever in Vitebsk Region: ASF quarantine zones remain in effect

A meeting on ASF prevention with the participation of deputies of district and village councils, chief veterinarians of districts and agricultural organizations was held at the House of Culture of the Veterinary Academy by the First Deputy Director of the Department of Veterinary and Food Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus, Yury Pivovarchik. The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Alexander Atyasov, the leadership of the regional agricultural department, and the chief veterinarian of the region, Alexander Kozak.

The prompt implementation of quarantine measures and the tightening of preventive measures in the fight against the virus have provided Belarus with a more confident position than its neighbors. Nevertheless, significant damage has been inflicted on agriculture. While, according to statistical data, as of January 1, 2013, the total pig population in the Vitebsk region was almost 80,000 heads, today only about 20,000 remain.

— To preserve the existing livestock, we cannot take a single step back from the preventive measures that ensure the biological protection of animals, as regulated by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers “On additional measures to eliminate and prevent the spread of African swine fever and other dangerous animal diseases”, — emphasized Yury Pivovarchik. — Household owners who comply with all requirements will not be prohibited from keeping pigs. This is the state's position; however, quarantine zones will continue to be in effect.

The situation should remain under control. In this regard, responsibility is placed not only on veterinarians but also on local authorities, which, according to Yuri Alekseevich, should work more actively with people. He reminded the deputies of the head of state's requirement regarding the unacceptability of officials' inattentive attitude towards villagers in the fight against African swine fever and demanded that the population be provided with all possible assistance and preventive measures. He also touched upon the responsibility for violating requirements and concealing information about illegal slaughter. Accountability for negligence in these matters will be strict.

Andrey ZAKHAROV, "Vitbichi"