The Deputy Prime Minister has called for strict penalties for those smuggling meat from countries affected by African swine fever, as Croatia faces new cases of the disease.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić warned on Friday, July 31, 2026, of the serious threat that illegal pork imports pose to Croatian pig farming and called for rigorous punishment of those responsible. This warning came after meetings with the crisis headquarters of Požega-Slavonia and Osijek-Baranja counties, where further measures to combat African swine fever (ASF) were discussed.
Minister Vlajčić specifically highlighted cases of meat smuggling from Serbia, where ASF is rampant, into Dalmatia. As reported by 24sata, he said: "These are cases that destroy domestic production for some profit. Where is the patriotism we talk about, what kind of hospitality establishments are these that import meat from Serbia, where ASF is raging, under the cover of night, hidden in car trunks, and in this way destroy domestic production?"
He added that patriotism today is not singing patriotic songs, but reporting such cases, condemning them, and putting them in the pillory. According to Lider, the minister stated: "I particularly warn against the unacceptable practice of smuggling and illegal meat trade, which poses a serious risk to Croatian pig farming. I call on all producers, food business operators, and citizens to comply with regulations and report any irregularities they observe."
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture cited by Lider, a total of 127 outbreaks of African swine fever have been confirmed in Croatia since the beginning of 2026 through July 31, at facilities with pigs. On July 31 alone, three new cases were recorded: two in Osijek-Baranja County in the settlements of Bokšić and Lacići, and one in Veliki Rastovac in Virovitica-Podravina County.
The hardest hit is Osijek-Baranja County with 70 outbreaks, while Virovitica-Podravina County has 57 outbreaks. In wild boars, as many as 188 cases of the disease have been confirmed, of which 184 cases are in Osijek-Baranja County alone.
After the meeting in Požega and Osijek, Minister Vlajčić told ICV Virovitica: "At the meeting, we confirmed that the epidemiological situation in Požega-Slavonia County is under control, but there is no room for complacency, and we agreed on the continuation of coordinated action by all competent institutions with enhanced biosecurity measures, veterinary and police inspections, and increased culling of wild boars."
The minister emphasized that the state will continue to provide support to all pig farmers who operate in accordance with regulations, and funds have been secured for compensation for damage, euthanasia, repopulation, lost profits, and other assistance measures. "African swine fever is present in the environment, especially in the wild boar population, which is why I call on hunters, foresters, farmers, recreational users, and all citizens to be responsible, adhere to biosecurity measures, and report any suspicion of the disease or dead wild boars," concluded Vlajčić for ICV Virovitica.
The prefect of Osijek-Baranja County, Nataša Tramišak, thanked the ministry for its swift response and emphasized the importance of responsible behavior. "Osijek-Baranja County is the largest pig farming area in Croatia, which is why it is crucial that all breeders and the entire local community consistently implement biosecurity measures and protect domestic production through responsible behavior," said Tramišak for ICV Virovitica. As reported by 24sata, the prefect added that this disease can only be fought with discipline in implementing biosecurity measures.
