Pig farm of significant size in Estonia encounters crisis with African swine fever outbreak

In a significant turn of events, the Estonian Veterinary and Food Board (Veterinaar- ja Toiduamet) has confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at Ekseko farm in Viljandi County. This is the most serious outbreak of ASF in Estonia in a decade, affecting more than 54,000 pigs nationwide, with 125 wild boar and ten domestic pig herds affected since the start of the summer.

The disease, which does not infect humans but can be spread by contaminated vehicles, footwear, and equipment, causes fever, haemorrhages, and near-total mortality in pigs. In response to the outbreak, more than 27,000 animals at Ekseko farm are being culled, a move necessary to combat the spread of the virus.

Ekseko farm provides approximately 45% of Estonia's piglets, making the outbreak a crisis on a national scale. The entire production chain and farming at Ekseko will be disrupted for a significant time.

African swine fever is highly contagious among domestic pigs and wild boar. To combat the outbreak, the Veterinary and Food Board has imposed strict measures, including no movement of pigs in or out, total disinfection of equipment and clothing, and restricted access to infected zones.

Officials have promised psychosocial support for farmers facing emotional strain due to the mass culls and quarantines. Farmers and local residents are being urged to report any dead wild boar they find, preferably with photographic evidence.

Despite the outbreak, more than 70% of pork sold in Estonia's major food retailers is domestic, and prices have so far held. Some chains source pork from Latvia, but supplies are not linked to the ASF outbreak.

The events at Ekseko serve as a reminder of how fragile Estonia's self-sufficiency can be in the face of a virus spread by wild boar and mud-caked tyres. The outbreak of ASF remains a long-term threat to Estonia's modern farming methods and digital governance.

Protesters have gathered to oppose the mass culling of pigs at Nurme farm, raising concerns about animal welfare and the impact on the local economy. The government and agricultural industry are working to address these concerns while ensuring the health and safety of the nation's livestock and food supply.

As the situation continues to evolve, the Estonian government and agricultural sector are committed to transparency, communication, and swift action to mitigate the impact of the ASF outbreak and protect the nation's pig farming industry.

Pig farm of significant size in Estonia encounters crisis with African swine fever outbreak