Vlajčić warns: Illegal meat imports in Dalmatia threaten domestic pig farming
The Minister of Agriculture announced intensified border inspections and controls, stressing that 'quick profits' risk introducing infectious diseases.
The Minister of Agriculture announced intensified border inspections and controls, stressing that 'quick profits' risk introducing infectious diseases.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić issued a strong warning on Friday about the growing problem of illegal imports and smuggling of pork, particularly in Dalmatia. According to him, such actions pose a direct threat to the survival of domestic production and create unfair competition for Croatian farmers, all for what he called "quick profits."
"It is incomprehensible that someone's profit endangers the entire Croatian pig production. These are examples where Croatian pig farming faces unfair competition and a completely reckless situation, all for quick profits. Simply put, the entire Croatian pig industry is under threat," Minister Vlajčić stated after a session of the local crisis management team for African swine fever in Požega, as reported by Poslovni dnevnik.
The Minister revealed that the Ministry continuously receives field reports indicating that meat is being illegally imported and smuggled specifically in Dalmatia, ending up in restaurants and catering establishments. He emphasized that such actions must be clearly condemned because, in addition to violating Croatian and European regulations, they significantly increase the risk of introducing dangerous infectious diseases. He also noted that citizens have begun reporting such cases themselves.
As part of the fight against smuggling, he announced that border crossing controls have already been intensified at the national level, along with increased traffic surveillance. According to Dnevnik.hr, several cases threatening Croatian pig farming have already been uncovered, and the public will be informed of the investigation results once they are completed.
Commenting on the epidemiological situation, Vlajčić stated that the situation regarding African swine fever in the Požega-Slavonia County is currently satisfactory, but warned that there is no room for complacency. He announced that intensified veterinary inspections will begin next week in the most affected counties, and that the intensified culling of wild boars will continue.
The Minister also warned of the sensitivity of the situation regarding other infectious diseases. Since July 14, 2026, no new cases of peste des petits ruminants have been recorded, but he stressed that there is a real danger of introducing sheep and goat pox from neighboring countries, which could have serious consequences for livestock production. He reminded that Spain has been battling African swine fever for decades and once again appealed to farmers to consistently adhere to all biosecurity measures.
