23 December 2024

3 minute read

By: Poland's Chief Veterinary Inspectorate

Europe

It is necessary to determine what actions to take to combat African swine fever (ASF) and rebuild the pig population. There is also a need for a change in the approach of some farmers, to make them aware of how important it is to comply with the principles of biosecurity, said the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Czesław Siekierski at a meeting at the Veterinary Inspectorate in Poznań, also attended by the Chief Veterinary Officer Krzysztof Jażdżewski.

Work of the Veterinary Inspection

Thank you very much for your important and difficult work. The work of services, including the Veterinary Inspection, is very important in the process of ensuring food safety, said Minister Siekierski to the representatives of the Inspection.

The head of the Ministry of Agriculture stated that it is necessary to determine what actions should be taken to rebuild the pig population. He also noted that after eliminating an ASF outbreak in a given farm, in most cases the problem does not return.

We should not scare people with ASF, but we also cannot hide it, said the minister.

The minister pointed out that farmers sometimes lack awareness that a seemingly innocent activity, such as going out to pick mushrooms, can bring specific and very serious consequences.

It is important to educate and raise awareness. I am forwarding this comment to the Veterinary Inspection for consideration, because you have the greatest knowledge and awareness of the situation, said the head of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Raising awareness and convincing farmers

It is important to determine the best way to create information and messages for farmers. Meetings with farmers are a good formula. They help convince the unconvinced, said Minister Siekierski.

The head of the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that it is very important for farmers to be aware that biosecurity procedures are crucial. After all, they were created on the basis of analysis and experiences.

I understand that everyone is guided by their own interests. He may also believe that this problem does not apply to him. However, specific cases prove that breaking the applicable biosecurity rules is not a good path, said the minister.

Funds to fight ASF and help for farmers

This is a good moment - now, when the budget for 2025 is being established, to secure funds for intensified work of services and for assistance to farmers harmed by unfavorable weather phenomena, said Minister Siekierski.

The head of the Ministry of Agriculture also recalled his recent conversation with the Minister of Finance.

We talked about the damage and losses of farmers and the possibilities of support. I emphasized that trying to save money in this area and the lack of support for farmers, and therefore failure to maintain production continuity, will bring negative consequences in the future. I said clearly that if I fight for farmers' issues, I fight for the good of the entire country, said the minister.

Minister Siekierski also talked about ongoing talks with the Ministry of Environment and Climate regarding the state of the wild boar population, as well as problems related to other wild animals.

Reasons for the increase in the number of ASF outbreaks

Minister Siekierski stated that the causes of the increased number of pigs suffering from ASF may be very different: e.g. the summer holiday season and increased traffic in forests, high temperatures, reduced immunity of pigs, the size of the farm or the issue of the use or non-additional element of risk in the form of bedding.

However, one thing is certain: violating biosecurity procedures brings harm, noted the minister.