Moldova’s Pig Sector Shrinks by 30% as ASF Ravages Farms
Moldova has lost nearly a third of its pigs in one year due to African Swine Fever outbreaks, driving pork prices up and forcing processors to consider EU imports.
Moldova’s pig industry is facing one of its toughest years on record as African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to devastate herds across the country. Official data shows that by October 1, 2025, the national pig population had fallen to 296,000 head—a drop of roughly 30% compared to the previous year.
ASF Behind Sharp Production Losses
A wave of ASF outbreaks across both commercial and backyard farms has driven the collapse. In August alone, veterinary teams were forced to cull 7,000 pigs, and since January the country has recorded 18 confirmed outbreaks, according to the national Food Safety Agency.
The continued losses have pushed pork production down 15% year-on-year and triggered a rapid rise in retail prices. Consumers are now paying MDL 95–120 per kilogram, significantly above the MDL 75–80 range seen just a few months ago.
Industrial Farms Hit Hard
Two major commercial producers—Golden Piglet and Porco Bello—suffered large-scale outbreaks early in the year. Together, these farms represented half of Moldova’s industrial pig output. Their combined losses of around 105,000 pigs have left the processing sector without sufficient raw material to keep factories running efficiently.
Evgeniy Salkutsan, head of the national meat processors’ association, described the situation as a major operational setback. Restoring full production will require lengthy sanitation procedures, importing new piglets, and rebuilding supply networks—meaning recovery could take years rather than months.
Imports Likely to Fill the Gap
With domestic supply severely constrained, processors are expected to turn increasingly to the EU market, particularly Spain, Poland, and Romania, to secure the volumes needed to maintain production.
As Moldova continues fighting ASF, the sector faces a prolonged period of rebuilding—along with higher costs and greater reliance on foreign pork.