Following reports confirming outbreaks of bluetongue disease and African Swine Fever in Serbia, Kosovo has imposed a temporary ban on the import of live animals from that country, the Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) announced on Wednesday, July 30. The ban applies to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and pig products, and was introduced by Kosovar authorities to prevent the spread of these diseases in our country.

“Border authorities operating under the framework of Integrated Border Management, including the Kosova Police, Customs, and the FVA, must increase control measures at all border points. This is to prevent the entry of live cattle, sheep, pigs, and pig products from this country,” the announcement stated.

The FVA added that increased inspection vigilance will also apply to passengers’ personal luggage, to prevent the entry of any type of pig product, which falls into the category of carriers for African Swine Fever.

“As long as this decision is in effect, citizens are prohibited from crossing the border with any type of pig product originating from Serbia, even as food during travel. Everyone is obliged to assist and act to prevent the spread of diseases,” FVA said.

Bluetongue is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of insects of the Culicoides type (biting midges). It affects cattle, sheep, and goats. Among these, sheep are the most sensitive, followed by goats and cattle.

Clinical signs and death occur only in sheep, while cattle serve as a reservoir for the disease.

African Swine Fever is a viral infectious disease that affects both wild and domestic pigs. It is caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) and is known for its resilience and high mortality rate in pigs.

These diseases are not transmitted to humans. /KosovaPress