Macedonia stops pork imports from Serbia to prevent the spread of the African swine fever

Macedonia banned imports of pork meat from Serbia, in an attempt to prevent the spread of African swine fever.

The disease, which is lethal to pigs but not to humans, has already caused significant damage in Bulgaria as well.

In Serbia, infected pigs were found near Belgrade and other northern cities. No cases have been reported in Macedonia yet. Imports are strictly controlled while hunters will soon be dispatched in the border regions to prevent the spread through boars.

Macedonian producers say that the market can be largely satisfied with domestic production alone.