The Ministry of Agriculture discussed the issues of ensuring epizootic safety

The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia discussed measures to prevent the spread of ASF in a number of subjects of the Russian Federation. A meeting with the leadership of the regions, representatives of the Rosselkhoznadzor and veterinary services was held by the Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev.

According to the head of the Ministry of Agriculture, the number of ASF outbreaks in the country as a whole is less than last year, but the risk of the spread of the disease remains. A set of appropriate business support measures has been adopted at the federal level. Starting from 2020, prolongation of preferential investment loans is available for enterprises affected by African swine fever. Within the framework of the “compensating” subsidy for livestock breeders, a part of the costs of insurance of farm animals is reimbursed. Also, with the help of the target program, the supply of ASF diagnostic tools to the regions continues. In addition, the veterinary rules and the action plan for this disease are regularly updated.

During the meeting, the heads of a number of subjects of Russia presented information on the situation on the ground. Among the key tasks for the regions are the provision of reliable monitoring of ASF in the wild fauna and in farms of all forms, as well as the accounting of livestock in all segments, including household plots. It is necessary to intensify the transfer to alternative types of animal husbandry of those facilities that cannot provide an adequate level of biological protection. In addition, it is required to audit the protection systems at industrial pig breeding facilities and, if necessary, make adjustments to production control programs.

Following the event, Dmitry Patrushev called on the leadership of the subjects to keep the situation under personal control.