Nine outbreaks of African swine fever have been reported in three districts of Moldova. 

187 domestic pigs were slaughtered so far, and 8 other cases were detected in wild boar, Ela Malai, acting director of the Food Safety Agency (ANSA), told a news conference Thursday. 

The three districts are Nisporeni, Cahul (villages Roșu, Burlăceni, and Crihana Veche) and Cantemir. ANSA teams are on site taking the measures required by protocol. 

The mortality rate in the infected pigs is 100%, says Ela Malai, adding that the virus is not dangerous to humans. “We are asking the public to inform the local veterinary doctor without delay in case of spotting carcasses of wild boars or seeing symptoms (in domestic pigs). Do not discard the dead pigs at the local dumps, on the village outskirts, or in the wilderness of the Prut Lowlands,” urged Malai.

Ion Toma, ANSA deputy director, said addressing issues like slaughtering and wildlife management in a correct manner is key in the complex process of combating the disease. “African swine fever is extremely contagious. It spreads from animal to animal and cannot be prevented by vaccination,” added Ion Toma.