Poland to cull pigs to prevent African swine fever spread

Polish authorities say they will cull about 5,800 pigs to prevent the spread of African swine fever.

Veterinarians are checking 274 pig farms in eastern Poland, near the border with Lithuania and Belarus, for compliance with sanitary requirements to prevent the spread of the disease. Unlike swine flu, it doesn't affect humans.

The pigs are expected to be culled by the end of July, and no pig breeding will be allowed there through 2018. Polish authorities said Tuesday that the farmers will get compensation.

Since 2014, the region has recorded 64 cases of the disease in wild boar, and 11 in domestic swine.

In January 2014, Russia banned EU pork imports following four cases of African swine fever found in boar on the Lithuanian and Polish borders with Belarus.

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