African swine fever returns to the official agenda
It looks as though Moldova has finally decided to eliminate backyard pig farming under the familiar pretext of “African swine fever”. The disease has once again become a matter of urgent concern for the authorities. This time, it was allegedly found in two districts.
The National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) announced that between June 8 and 15, two outbreaks of African swine fever were confirmed. Both were found in private households in the village of Vadul lui Isac, Cahul district. In addition, one case of rabies in a dog was registered in Lozova, Strășeni district.
Quarantine and restrictions imposed
The Emergency Situations Commission immediately introduced quarantine for at least 30 days in Vadul lui Isac and Colibași. Enhanced veterinary monitoring was also imposed in Brînza, Crihana Veche, Manta, Pelinei and Găvănoasa.
Veterinary services will now begin counting livestock and testing animals in the quarantine zone. Farmers are banned from moving animals, slaughtering them or selling the meat. The “infected” pigs have already been euthanised.
ANSA launches new inspections
Meanwhile, ANSA has announced a new approach to “prevention and risk management” linked to African swine fever. Across the country, private households keeping pigs will now be inspected.
At first, veterinarians will visit farms, assess the conditions in which animals are kept, record any violations and issue recommendations. ANSA insists that the purpose of these measures is “prevention, not immediate sanctions”.
Animal registration, officials say, will be free. In return, the agency promises that if a pig falls ill or dies, the state will compensate the owner. Registered farmers will also be able to sell animals “legally”.
Without registration, they will not. This restriction on ordinary rural freedom is being presented as a benefit.
From recommendations to sanctions
Then come the sanctions. If owners refuse to cooperate, ANSA says measures under the Contravention Code will be applied. According to the agency, quarantine measures are also in force in Sărata-Răzeși and Tochile-Răducani in Leova district, Bărboieni in Nisporeni district, and Cioara and Onești in Hîncești district.
Pig farming in Moldova has traditionally been concentrated in private household plots. It has already suffered heavily from previous “prevention” measures linked to African swine fever. In recent years, outbreaks have been repeatedly announced across the country. Each time, this has led to mass livestock seizures and losses for villagers. The pattern remains unchanged: the authorities announce an outbreak, and farmers pay the price.
Compensation as pressure
The press service of the Cahul district administration says the restrictions may be extended depending on the epizootic situation. Officials also remind owners that animal registration and cooperation with state veterinarians are the only ways to qualify for compensation if pigs are forcibly seized.
In plain language, this looks like soft economic blackmail. Register, cooperate and obey or be left with nothing. At the same time, ANSA is monitoring the rabies case in Strășeni district. No large-scale restrictions have been introduced there so far.
For rural Moldova, however, the message is already clear. First comes the outbreak, then comes quarantine, then come inspections, registration and bans and after that, the pigs disappear.
