Using freshly harvested grains or freshly cut grass to feed pigs can cause swine fever outbreaks, warns the National Agency for Food Safety.

“Grains must be stored for a period of at least 30-60 days from harvesting, after which they can be used in pig feed. As soon as owners notices that the animals are exhibiting inappropriate, sickly behavior, they should notify their veterinarians immediately so that appropriate measures can be taken and the cases documented”, Alexandr Manciu, the Agency’s deputy director, told IPN.

Owners of sick pigs can receive full compensation from the government, on condition that the sick pigs are identified.

Two small outbreaks of swine fever have recently been reported in Moldova. One involved wild boars near the village of Bulboaca, Anenii Noi, and another one a family farm in Ciutulești, Florești. 45-day quarantines have been instituted and an inventory of pigs in the affected areas is underway, with measures also taken to find the cause, says Manciu.

Moldova has a national program to monitor and combat African swine fever. The program provides, in addition to active and passive monitoring measures, an awareness raising campaign as well.