Europe - Slovakia Swine Fever update

Various outbreaks of swine fever within the country resulted in the sacrifice of over 24,000 pigs to control the disease. The Ministery of Agriculture states that swine fever is now eradicated from the country. According to the State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS) there are no more cases of swine fever in Slovakia since January 7th, 2004. During past three months the outbreak of swine fever occurred in several places and 24,096 pigs in total had to be killed. Before the outbreaks ended, the European Union considered imposing an embargo on imports of Slovak pork as of January 13th, 2004. The head of the State Veterinary and Food Administration, Mr. Peter Bíreš traveled to Brussels to provide explanations and guarantees about coping with the situation. As the situation is under control now, the action of imposing embargo is not necessary and will not be taken. Slovak farmers now claim full comp ensations from the state for their significant loses. The total amount of loses exceeded 70 million Slovak Crowns, around US $2.0 million. However, the Ministry of Agriculture will compensate only loses connected with the slaughtering, liquidation, disinfecting, and transport of animals. Since it is possible to get insurance against swine fever damages, farmers will get payments representing the difference between the actual damages and the sum insurance companies would pay for such damages as well.