Osijek-Baranja County remains ASF hotspot

Osijek-Baranja County continues to be the largest hotspot of African swine fever (ASF), with new cases confirmed in Dalj, Erdut municipality.

Agriculture Minister David Vlajčić said movement must be restricted not only within protected zones but also across wider areas of affected counties. He urged residents to limit public gatherings—especially during the upcoming festival season—despite his support for such traditional events.

“Now is the time to consider the risk of this disease spreading further,” Vlajčić warned.

He cited two upcoming local footraces—a wine race and a half marathon—as examples of events that may need extra caution.

ASF spreads primarily through direct contact with infected pigs, but the virus can survive on equipment, clothing, and vehicles, allowing people to unintentionally carry it. It can also spread via consumption of contaminated pork products. Fines for illegal sales of animals or meat, or for failing to follow biosecurity rules, range from €600 to €13,000.

Prime Minister Rejects Conspiracy Claims

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković dismissed claims by Homeland Movement leader Ivan Penava, who suggested ASF was being used as a “weapon” against Croatia.

“We have no information or evidence of any kind of special war against Croatia,” Plenković said. “What we have is a problem: the African swine fever virus, a virus we already faced two years ago.”

The prime minister added that top government officials would meet today to discuss further measures to contain the outbreak.