Delay in Pig Farm Slaughter in Viljandi County Due to Intensifying Protest
Headline: African Swine Fever Outbreak at Nurme Farm in Viljandi County: Culling Postponed Amidst Protests and Resource Constraints
The African swine fever (ASF) outbreak at Nurme Farm in Viljandi County, Estonia, has caused a stir, with nearly 4,500 pigs confirmed positive by both Estonian and Spanish lab tests. However, the culling of these pigs has been postponed repeatedly.
Initial Protests and Awaiting Foreign Lab Results
The cull was initially halted on August 9 to await the confirmation of ASF from a Spanish lab. This decision was due to protests by local residents, animal welfare advocates, and others who demanded transparency and wanted to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
Resource Constraints and Prioritization
On August 14, the culling was again postponed due to resource constraints and the prioritization of a more serious ASF outbreak at a farm in Põlva County, which houses about 6,700 pigs requiring urgent action.
Political Tensions
Political tensions have arisen as some MPs and parties call for more decisive government involvement and clarity on managing the crisis and its impact on agriculture.
Impact on Estonia's Pig Population
In total, Estonia has confirmed ASF in seven domestic pig populations since June, affecting nearly 26,000 animals. The 4,500 pigs at Nurme Farm make up a significant part of this tally.
Ongoing Protests and Demands for Clearer Communication
The current status at Nurme Farm is that ASF is confirmed, but immediate culling is paused to focus resources elsewhere, amid ongoing public protests and demands for clearer communication and careful management. The protesters gathered outside the farm, demanding the culling be postponed. The issue has been politicized, with the arrival of several vehicles bearing EKRE and Estonian Nationalists and Conservatives (ERK) logos.
Authorities' Response
The PTA director general, Raimo Heinam, stated that they are waiting for lab results from Spain to make further decisions. Mats Tuvi, board member of Nurme Farm owner Saimre Seakasvatus OÜ, confirmed the company's full cooperation with the PTA and support for the disease control activities.
Resources
[1] ERR News. (2025, August 14). ASF outbreak: Culling of pigs postponed at Viljandi County farm. Retrieved from https://err.ee/1166512
[2] ERR News. (2025, August 14). African swine fever outbreak: Over 26,000 pigs affected in Estonia. Retrieved from https://err.ee/1166496
[3] ERR News. (2025, August 14). MPs call for more decisive government action on African swine fever outbreak. Retrieved from https://err.ee/1166509
- The postponement of the culling at the Nurme Farm, despite its effect on the general-news landscape, has also stirred political discussions, as some MPs demand clearer communication and more decisive government action related to the food industry, particularly as it pertains to the ongoing African swine fever outbreak.
- Amidst the ongoing protests and resource constraints, the issue of food safety, as highlighted by the African swine fever outbreak at the Nurme Farm in Viljandi County, has also gained traction in the realm of political debates and general-news discourse.
