Lithuania revokes state of emergency over African swine fever

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday revoked the state of emergency over an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the country.

"Having taken into consideration the recommendations of the government's commission for emergency situations, the cabinet has decided to revoke the state of emergency declared in early 2014," the government said in a statement.

Seven out of 60 Lithuanian municipalities have been under state of emergency over the disease for more than two years. The authorities claimed ASF has now been tackled.

According to the announcement, in November, the commission concluded in its sitting that "situation in controlling the disease of African swine fever is under control."

The state of emergency allowed the country's authorities to implement extraordinary measures to stop the spread of disease. The decision attracted criticism from the country's pig farmers.

"Swine fever is dangerous, and it can be controlled only partially," Algis Baravykas, head of Lithuanian pig producers association, told news website vz.lt.

"It's complicated to say that everything is fine," he added.

According to the association, in more than two years, around 25,000 pigs have been slaughtered to prevent the spread of ASF. In late 2013, the disease was brought to Lithuania by infected boars.

ASF poses no threat to people but the virus is lethal for pigs and boars, which need to be culled. Endit