A hotbed of African swine fever was identified in the natural reserve “Pădurea Domnească” and in the adjoining wooded strips situated in Fălești district. Fifteen animals were found dead in the area since December 17 until December 23. Lab analyses confirmed the presence of the virus and the animals were burned.

Contacted by IPN for a comment, Vitalie Carauş, head of the Animal Health and Welfare Division of the National Food Safety Agency, said the area will be in quarantine for a year. The commission for emergencies is disinfecting the territories so as to prevent the spread of the virus to other wild boars in the forest.

According to Vitalie Carauş, the reserve “Pădurea Domnească” is at the border with Romania, where there were confirmed many cases of African swine fever. The wild boars migrate and the Prut River is not a barrier for them to reach Moldova. Earlier this year, cases of African swine fever were reported in the districts of Cahul, Cantemir, Lipcani and in wooded areas in the Prut meadow.

The African swine fever is not dangerous to humans, but spreads swiftly among pigs. If the virus is detected, the animals are killed to prevent the spread of infection.