President of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Joe Healy said that spreading African swine fever to the west throughout Europe could destroy the entire pig population in Ireland.

The epidemic has already spread throughout Europe, resulting in millions of losses in the export industry in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The head of the IFA emphasized that "all precautions must be taken to prevent African swine fever from entering Ireland."

“If she came to the country, it would be very difficult to stop its spread. And blocking the possible pathways for the disease to enter is of utmost importance, ”said Joe Healy.

“Our pig farmers are well aware of this and are doing everything possible so that it does not appear, because they know that if this happens, they can destroy the Irish pigs. Everyone should be careful in this vulnerable time, ”concluded the President of the Irish Farmers Association.

The disease has already spread around the world, affecting nine previously unaffected countries in Europe and Asia.

According to Irish Times, Irish Minister of Agriculture Michael Creed said his agency is in constant contact with farmers about the importance of biosafety.