On January 27, 2026, the Giurgiu Local Disease Control Center convened for an extraordinary meeting following the confirmation of an African Swine Fever outbreak in a private farm located in Poșta, part of the Buturugeni commune. The outbreak raised immediate alarms, prompting officials to implement a series of critical measures aimed at controlling and containing the situation.
To effectively manage the outbreak, the authorities decided to conduct a thorough census of all pigs in the affected area. This action is essential for understanding the scale of the infestation and allows for accurate tracking of the disease’s spread. In addition to the census, the removal of carcasses from the affected farm is a priority. Any animals that have succumbed to the illness must be disposed of properly to eliminate any potential sources of reinfection. The disposal methods will adhere to European regulations, which emphasize not only the need for removal but also the importance of thorough disinfection of the infected premises. This step is vital for preventing the virus from lingering in the environment, which could lead to further outbreaks.
The affected area has been divided into two distinct zones: the protection zone and the surveillance zone. The protection zone encompasses the localities of Buturugeni, Poșta, and Ordoreanu, while the surveillance zone extends to various localities within Giurgiu and Ilfov counties. Each of these zones will face stringent biosecurity measures aimed at curbing the spread of African Swine Fever and protecting surrounding pig populations.
In these regions, authorities will enforce strict protocols, including the management of carcasses through burial—since incineration is not an option available in this instance. The burial method will be executed in a manner that minimizes any environmental impacts and potential health risks to both local wildlife and humans. The commitment to these measures reflects a serious understanding of the virus’s potential to devastate local and national pig populations.
Government officials have stressed the urgency of compliance with these protocols. Adherence to biosecurity measures is crucial, not only for controlling this outbreak but also for safeguarding the health of livestock in the wider region. The authorities have made it clear that any negligence in following these regulations could lead to significant consequences for pork producers and related industries across both Giurgiu and Ilfov counties.
The response to this outbreak serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by animal diseases and the importance of vigilance among farmers, authorities, and the general public. Education plays a vital role in these efforts, as raising awareness about the signs of African Swine Fever and the necessary actions to take when a potential case is suspected can help enhance early detection and prompt reporting.
As experts continue to monitor the situation, regular updates will be provided to all stakeholders involved, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the community to uphold these health measures. Only through coordinated efforts can the region hope to contain and eventually eradicate this harmful disease, ensuring the future health and productivity of its pig farming sector.
