The talks focused on more intense cooperation in combating African swine fever (ASF) in Europe and were also attended by the Chief Veterinary Officers of the three countries.

Minister Grzegorz Puda during the conference on combating ASF.

The ministers supplied information on the current situation related to ASF and shared experiences related to the effectiveness of methods and solutions used in combating the virus and its spread on the territory of the European Union.

Minister Grzegorz Puda emphasised the strategic importance of anti-ASF activities for Poland, citing the serious economic and social impact of the virus on the agricultural and food sector. He declared  Poland’s full readiness to continue joint actions to halt the spread of ASF, both on the political level and among veterinary services and research institutes/experts.

The Polish minister confirmed the need to develop increasingly more modern and effective methods to combat ASF using new technologies. The exchange of information between neighbouring countries, allowing to coordinate activities in border areas and improving biosecurity standards on farms, is also important.

The trilateral cooperation in combating ASF will be continued and reinforced. The ministers agreed that the ASF issue affects the entire European Union and that the involvement and support of the European Commission is necessary. They confirmed that it would be reasonable to discuss these issues with other member states and the EU Commissioner for Agriculture at the next informal meeting of EU agriculture and fisheries ministers planned for 16 November.