Title: First Case of African Swine Fever Confirmed in Albania Sparks Concerns Across Europe
In a significant development, Albania has officially reported its first case of African swine fever (ASF). The Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary Medicine confirmed the presence of the virus on February 10, after discovering two infected wild boar carcasses in Kukës county. This area, located approximately 15 kilometers from the Kosovo border and 30 km from the border with North Macedonia, has raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease.
The World Organization for Animal Health announced the outbreak on March 6, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the source or origin of the infection at this time. Carcass disposal, by-products and waste management, as well as disinfection and isolation measures, have already been implemented to contain the situation.
The report highlights that on July 17, 2023, veterinary authorities in Kosovo confirmed ASF in their country, further raising alarms about the regional impact of the disease. Albania now joins the list of European nations affected by ASF, becoming the 28th country on the continent to confirm its presence since the virus’s introduction in 2007.
As the situation unfolds, authorities in Italy, Poland, Estonia, and Norway have issued statements outlining measures to prevent the spread of ASF within their borders. The March Global Swine Disease Surveillance Report underscores the need for heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts to address the growing threat posed by African swine fever in Europe.
