Due to occurrences of various animal infectious diseases, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the neighbouring countries, the veterinary inspection service is going to increase controls of circulation, marking and implementation of mandatory measures for domestic animals, as well as circulation of foodstuffs of animal origin, directly related to the trafficking of domestic animals.
The African swine fever has been recently confirmed in the Republic of Srpska and timely actions of competent services have put the situation under control. However, we must stress that the disease is still present, that there is no time to relax, and that the all citizens need to take the situation seriously and act responsibly.
We stress that the African swine fever is also present in the region, Serbia and Croatia, at the very border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, that is with the Republic of Srpska, to a large extent, with multiple hotspots, which requires additional care, bearing in mind how easily this disease is transmitted.
In the last couple of days, over the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, brucellosis has been confirmed at 39 homesteads, after which 130 animals were euthanised according to data from competent services. In case of brucellosis additional measures need to be taken due to the fact that this is a zoonosis, that is a disease that can be transferred from animals to people, and according to data from the Public Health Institute of the Federation of BiH there were 51 cases of people being infected by brucellosis in the first four months of 2026.
Also, over the territory of Serbia there was a confirmation of sheep and goat pox, while in Croatia there was confirmation of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) which is again ongoing in Romania, at the border with Serbia.
The Republic of Srpska Veterinary Inspection Service is constantly engaged in implementing measures to combat and prevent occurrences and spreading of animal infectious diseases, however the more significant contribution in this fight can be made by the breeders. We warn farmers not to sell or buy animals without proper veterinary documentation, to limit the entry of other persons and vehicles to farms, and to daily implement biosecurity, hygienic and protective measures while working with animals.
We invite commercial breeders, as well as owners who breed animals for their own use, to adhere to disease prevention measures strictly and without exceptions. The circumstances require that we all show awareness of how serious the situation is, as well as conscience in our own actions.
Each deceased animal or suspected illness needs to be reported immediately to the veterinary service in order to conduct surveillance and put the disease under control. Domestic breeders need to refrain from buying animals of unconfirmed origin, questionably health and without mandatory veterinary documentation, and to report each suspicion of illegal circulation and trade of animals to the veterinary inspection service. Of special concern are the situations in which irresponsible individuals dispose carcasses of deceased animals in the nature, which directly increases the risk of the disease spreading.
