Romania, just as other member states that were affected by the African swine fever (ASF) is interested in any debate regarding the eradication and spreading of this diseases, which could generate solutions for administration, farmers and for the managers of the hunting fund, Minister of Agriculture Petre Daea said at the ministerial meeting in Brussels on the control and eradication of the ASF in the European Union.
Daea specified that the role of research is very important in fighting this virus.
"The research, seeking for solutions in the research field is a path that we must follow. The worst thing would be not to speak about this disease, not to discuss about it, not to joint our efforts and not to make exchanges of information, this would be the worst thing. Which is why I wanted to thank the Commission for the theme of the day, for the discussion format, and especially for the support it gave to Romania at the right time, when in the Council of Ministers the same voice as today presented the imminent danger and special situation of Romania, asking for the support of the countries in the European Union, by using the experience of some countries that had the same diseases and I want to thank those who sent specialists to Romania," underscored the MADR head, quoted in a release to AGERPRES.
According to him, Romania aimed to approach the swine fever topic at the high level Conference on trans-border diseases to be organised during the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU, over June 9-11, 2019, in Bucharest, so that "the sources of knowledge, research, scientists practical experience connect to each other."
Control and eradication of the ASF in the European Union represents a priority at European level, representing a major risk for the agricultural sector with important negative consequence in the long run on the wild boar population.
Read also: Senate President Tariceanu: 'Gov't cannot just witness this major derailment of the banking market'
In 2014, the disease was limited in geographic terms in the Eastern part of the EU and now is present in 10 member states. Based on the technical and scientific information it can be said that the development of this epidemic is related to the crucial role of wild boars in spreading and keeping the disease in the EU.
The measures taken at the European Commission level include political coordination, constant legislative actions, technical audit and technical cooperation, actions related to science and research, financial support, international cooperation.
Petre Daea participated in the meeting regarding the issue of control and eradication of the ASF in the EU answering thus to an invitation extended to the ministers of agriculture and environment of the member states by European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis and European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella.
The African swine fever developed in 296 localities of 18 counties, with a number of 1,136 outbursts, 18 of them being commercial holdings, and 444 cases in wild boards, according to data of the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA).
There were eliminated 364,044 pigs affected by the disease and 8,411 owners were compensated by this date, with the total value of payment reaching up to 236,54 million lei.
According to the veterinary authorities, the African swine fever does not affect and cannot be transmitted to people, as there is not even the slightest risk for people to get sick. However, there is a social and economic impact.
AGERPRES .