MAF eases trade in pigs: New export zones

For the first time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF) is taking decisive steps to designate zones from which pig farmers can freely trade and export live animals.

"The goal is not only to ease the trade regime, but also to guarantee a high level of biosecurity," stated Deputy Minister Prof. Dr. Krum Nedelkov.

Key measures to combat ASF:

  • Defining zones: Creation of specific areas around farms to be included in "restricted zone I".
  • Dialogue with the EC: Forming a common position before the European Commission, based on an analysis of the epizootic risk.
  • National methodology: Development of criteria for regionalization, supported by industry associations.
  • Enhanced control: Measures against unregulated online trade in live animals, which threatens the health of farms.

The initiative is a response to the needs of the sector following confirmed outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF), including the recent case in the Varna region. The Ministry is actively working to balance strict veterinary requirements with the economic viability of Bulgarian pig farming.