PTA Director General Raimo Heinami noted that the critical stage has been overcome, but the fight against the virus is not over:
“Today, all pigs on farms with confirmed ASF cases have been culled. However, the second unit at the Ekseko farm remains under restrictions and will be subject to additional testing in the coming weeks,” he said.
According to Heinami, the agency, in cooperation with the Estonian University of Life Sciences, farmers, and other stakeholders, is preparing an assessment of actions taken during the emergency. Updates to biosecurity inspections, preparedness measures, and communication with farmers are planned.
PTA is also addressing the issue of drilling wells for residents near the Metsküla burial site to better prepare for possible future outbreaks. Access restrictions to the Paju pig farm and the Metsküla site have been lifted, but other limitations will remain in place until at least the end of October.
Meanwhile, hunters in border regions report that, despite state orders, the absence of wild boar has prevented them from carrying out culling measures intended to control the spread of the virus.
Since the beginning of the year, ASF has affected 11 farms in Estonia, resulting in the culling of more than 56,000 pigs. In addition, 187 wild boars have tested positive for the virus since early 2025.
ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs have shown a seasonal pattern, occurring exclusively during the summer months. Since 2015, Estonia has recorded 41 ASF outbreaks in pig farms, leading to the death or culling of around 110,000 pigs and causing estimated economic losses of €22 million.
Although the emergency has been lifted, the situation remains only partially under control. Biosecurity, wildlife monitoring, and readiness for new outbreaks remain top priorities for both the state and farmers to prevent further large-scale losses in the sector.
PigUA.info based on news.err.ee