The head of Estonia’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), Ago Pärtels, has been dismissed for allegedly issuing “erroneous information” to the public over the disposal of pigs infected with African Swine Fever (ASF).
The dismissal took place on December 31, 2015, with a statement issued on behalf of the country’s Minister of Rural Affairs, Urmas Kruuse (pictured above), that he was not able to continue to have a trusting relationship with the service.
Since the dismissal, FVO has sought to “remind” hunters and wild pigmeat buyers that hunting wild boar in ASF risk areas in Estonia is prohibited, even if the animal is considered to be free of the disease.
The FVO announcement also stated that it is “extremely important” that all hunting-based tourism organisers inform other countries of the ASF restrictions which exist in Estonia.
“This is an important preventive measure to stop the virus being transferred to other countries,” said FVO.