The Agriculture and Food Board has established a stay-away order around the Exeko farm. The aim is to prevent the spread of African swine fever. The farm has approximately 50,000 pigs. Recently, eight pigs died there, but the laboratory did not find African swine fever. The cause of death is still unknown.
Priit Dreimann, a member of the board of Maag Food, said that the normal pig mortality rate is 4-5 percent. Currently, pig farmers are under stress because the spread of the disease is rapid. Dreimann said that a quick response is necessary. He hopes that people will not create panic but understand the seriousness of the situation.
Strict restrictions on the movement of people, animals, and goods are in place at the farm. Dreimann said that these restrictions do not affect the daily work of the farm. The restrictions help prevent the spread of threats when necessary. Farm employees can only enter with permits, and visitors are not accepted.
Maag Group holds nearly 50 percent of the pig farming market in Estonia. The spread of the disease in large farms is a serious problem. Signs indicating the stay-away order will be put up by the state. Dreimann hopes that it will not be necessary to call the police or officials, but the stay-away order provides the opportunity to do so if needed.
Dreimann said that people in Estonia should understand the seriousness of the situation. He hopes that people will not come to the vicinity of the farm out of mere curiosity. The suspicion of the disease is emotionally difficult for pig farmers, but it is also an opportunity to learn. Currently, eight cases of African swine fever have been identified in Estonia. In total, more than 26,000 animals have died or been culled. The stay-away order is in effect until September 16.