Strengthened biosecurity for all pig farms in Latvia; increases compensation for slaughtered pigs

In connection with the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Latvia, the government today, August 12, approved amendments to five Cabinet regulations that determine both the expansion of the emergency zone and the procedure for paying compensation for registered pigs culled due to the disease.
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As indicated in the explanation of the Ministry of Agriculture, the rapid spread of ASF may significantly affect the existence of pig farming in Latvia, Therefore, it has been determined that specific biosecurity measures must also be implemented in pig farms that are not located in the ASF emergency area – this must be done no later than October 31, 2014.

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It has been determined that the PVD will organize the forced killing and destruction of pigs in holdings where the animal owner has not implemented biosecurity measures and ensured the slaughter of the animals within the specified time limit. The aforementioned animal owners will not be paid compensation for the slaughtered animals.

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In turn, in facilities that will be established or that plan to import pigs after August 31, 2014, and in facilities where pigs will be slaughtered, animals will only be allowed to be placed if biosecurity measures have been implemented in the facility and a permit to import pigs has been received from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Republic of Latvia.

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The amendments also clarify certain biosecurity measures to be taken to prevent misinterpretation of the conditions.

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In turn, the regulations “On the Declaration of a State of Emergency” determines the expansion of the territory of the emergency situation of the ASF, thus the emergency zone is defined in 21 counties - In the municipalities of Vārkava, Līvāni, Viļāni, Cēsis, Amata, Vecpiebalga, Jaunpiebalga, Gulbene, Cesvaine, Ērgļi, Madona, Lubāna, Koknese, Pļaviņa, Krustpils, Varakļāni, Sala, Viesīte, Jēkabpils, Aknīste and Ilūkste.

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An emergency zone has also been established in individual parishes of five counties – In the parishes of Ķeipene, Taurupe, Mazozolu, Madliena, Menģele and Krape of Ogre region; in the parishes of Sece, Staburagas and Sunākste of Jaunjelgava region; in Daugavpils, Preiļi and Riebiņi regions and in four cities – Jēkabpils, Daugavpils, Valmiera and Rēzekne.

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In turn, the regulations "On measures to limit the spread of African swine fever" provide for an increase in compensation for the slaughter of pigs if biosecurity measures cannot be implemented on the farm or due to trade disruptions:

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For an adult breeding animal – sow, breeding boar – the compensation is set at 170 euros instead of the current 115 euros. For a fattening pig and breeding pig – 120 euros instead of the current 65 euros, but for a suckling pig – 35 euros instead of the current 25 euros.

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In turn, 150,000 euros from the state budget program "Funds for unforeseen events" have been allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture - Rural Support Service to ensure the payment of compensation as soon as possible. In order to speed up the receipt of compensation, it has been determined that documents for receiving compensation are prepared not only by PVD inspectors, but also by authorized veterinarians.

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Source: Leta