In the Balkans steps are being taken to prevent the further spread of swine fever amongst pig production facilities.

So far, Bulgaria has made the strongest response to the outbreak, with authorities there banning pig exports and trade in pigs in the local livestock markets to contain the outbreaks. Swine fever has been identified in two of the Balkan country's 28 regions.

Although the disease is harmless for humans it can spread rapidly through a pig population, killing off piglets and wreaking havoc to production.

Veterinary officials believe that the current outbreak is attributable to the lax implementation of compulsory vaccinations for swine farms.

To prevent further outbreaks, the officials have implemented restrictions on the movement of all swine from farms. Currently only vaccinated animals can be sent to slaughter houses.

A number of animals have already been slaughtered, although officials have not confirmed any numbers.

In recent years there have been several outbreaks of swine fever in Bulgaria, all of which were successfully contained. The most recent occurred at the start of last year, when 12 regions were effected due to illegal swine trade and ineffective implementation of vaccinations.