Estonian pig farmers determined to rebuild despite ASF crisis

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Estonian pork producers say they will not abandon their work, even in the face of the most devastating African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in a decade, which has already led to the culling of over 55,000 pigs — nearly one-fifth of the country’s domestic herd.

Biggest Blow: Ekseko and Atria Eesti

The hardest hit came with the infection of Ekseko, Estonia’s largest pig farm, which raised nearly half of the country’s piglets. The entire herd had to be destroyed under EU regulations. The second-largest producer, Atria Eesti, also lost about 10,000 pigs across two of its six farms.

“The scale of this — the infection of breeding herds and the mass destruction still ahead — it’s hard to even comprehend,” said farmer Aare Mölder, who keeps 6,000 pigs at his Triigi farm. He warned that Estonia’s self-sufficiency in pork could fall from 70% to just half.

Heavy Psychological and Economic Strain

Farm workers are under enormous pressure. Meelis Laande, CEO of Atria Eesti, admitted:

“You go to work every day wondering if you’ve done enough to keep the infection out. It’s exhausting.”

Although supermarket shelves remain stocked thanks to imports, experts warn that excessive reliance on foreign supplies could pose risks in the event of a wider food crisis.

Human Error and Wild Boar as Key Risks

According to the Agriculture and Food Board (PTA), about 80% of Estonia’s wild boar population is infected with ASF, making it a major driver of the virus’s spread. At the same time, 40% of domestic outbreaks have been linked to human error or weak biosecurity.

“Farm standards vary, and we have repeatedly pointed out these shortcomings,” stressed Olev Kalda, director of the PTA’s Animal Health and Welfare Department.

Sector Outlook

The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture warns the crisis could reshape the sector.

“The previous ASF wave forced many small farms out of business. This time, consolidation could be even greater,” said Madis Pärtel, deputy secretary general of the ministry.

Despite the losses, farmers remain determined to rebuild once conditions allow.

“Our minds are now set to refuse to think things could get worse,” Laande concluded.

Estonia remains under a state of emergency due to ASF. Farm access is restricted to employees only, with biosecurity controls tightened to the maximum.


PigUA.info based on materials from news.err.ee

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