The Veterinary Inspection Service of the Republic of Srpska has filed six criminal charges against individuals who traded pigs originating from infected and endangered areas without identification ear tags, animal health certificates issued by the veterinary organization implementing the Program of Measures, nor did they have a transaction confirmation. In other words, they engaged in the trade without proper veterinary documentation. The pigs were traded from the Semberija region to the areas of Istočno Sarajevo, Milići, Foča and all municipalities in Herzegovina.
Considering the epidemiological situation related to African swine fever, which has led to the euthanasia and safe disposal of tens of thousands of pigs, causing significant economic losses, the irresponsible behavior of individuals has increased the risk of further spreading of the disease.
During the illegal transportation from endangered and infected areas, irresponsible traders and farmers contributed to the spread of African swine fever to other regions of the Republic of Srpska. Timely intervention has halted the further spread of the disease, and the situation is under continuous monitoring by relevant authorities. However, we still need to appeal to individuals to act responsibly. African swine fever cannot be cured, and the disease can only be controlled through euthanasia of animals. We hereby appeal to farmers not to sell or purchase pigs without the necessary veterinary documentation.
We would like to warn individuals who are considering acquiring pigs in this manner, reminding them that, in the event of disease occurrence, they will be responsible for covering all the costs of laboratory analyses, which are not small. Until now, these costs have been covered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Republic of Srpska in the regular procedure. Additionally, in the case of damage due to illness and the euthanasia of pigs, they will not be eligible for any assistance from the state. Any agricultural producer who is not in compliance with animal marking, labeling, and health certification will not have the right to compensation for damages.
The Veterinary Inspection Service, in collaboration with the Republic of Srpska Ministry of Interior, will continue increased inspections of pig trafficking in the Republic of Srpska in the coming period. We urge producers and individual households to adhere to prescribed measures, specifically to obtain appropriate veterinary documentation when engaging in pig transportation. The inspection will sanction any individual case where animals are found without ear tags or the required accompanying documentation for their transport.
