11/05/2017 (Agence Europe) – At the request of Poland, the Agriculture Council on Thursday 11 May highlighted the fact that African swine fever had been detected in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Commission initiatives in this field have been welcomed and ministers explained that measures were necessary to prevent the spread of this animal disease. Slovakia indicated that it had not yet been affected by the disease. Belgium referred to the impact on the European pork meat sector and Finland, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Hungary welcomed the action taken by the Commission. The latter explained that regular meetings had taken place at ministerial level with neighbouring countries (another meeting will take place on 1 and 2 June). Funding for pilot projects is planned with Ukraine (€250 000) and Moldova (€150 000). (LC)