African Swine Fever Virus threatens Slovakia

Poland, the Czech Republic and Ukraine are believed to already have examples of the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) spreading to livestock, with Slovakia preparing extraordinary measures to keep the spread at bay. "I must state that we are taking quite serious and extraordinary measures, but the risk of sickness is great because the transmission is carried out through migrating wild boars," stated Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Gabriela Matečná. The ministry urges all farmers, breeders and consumers to limit bringing their own foods to major outdoor events, instead choosing cooked foods from event organisers because the virus spreads via food and clothing. Although not transferrable to humans, it is a highly infectious and untreatable virus which is fatal for pigs.