According to a press release issued on the European Union's website, the EC "is sending two EU veterinary experts to Croatia this week, to assess the classical swine fever (CSF) outbreaks and assist with the disease situation on the ground."
"Classical swine fever is currently widespread in Croatia, with around 60 outbreaks found so far this year, including in regions close to the borders with Hungary and Slovenia (two EU members)."
"The EU experts will closely cooperate with the Croatian authorities in analysing epidemiological data and outbreak patterns, and will look at the measures being taken to tackle the disease. In light of the fact that Croatia is a candidate country, the visit is being co-organised by DG Health and Consumer Protection and TAIEX, the Commission's Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument."
Classical swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease of swine (pigs and wild boars) which can be spread via trade in live pigs, fresh pork and certain meat-based products.
In case of appearance of this animal disease in the EU, one needs to resort to the slaughtering of all pigs in the infected farms and the destruction of cadavers.
In compliance with EU regulations, on 1 January 2005, Croatia stopped vaccinating swines against this disease.