Two rounds of ARIB applications awarded support for the prevention of animal diseases, with the measure for a particularly dangerous animal disease filled in five days

On June 30, ARIB opened two investment support measures for the prevention of animal diseases, one of which was intended to combat foot-and-mouth disease and the other to prevent particularly dangerous animal diseases, such as African swine fever. The aim of both measures is to help livestock farmers increase the biosecurity of their production and thereby reduce the risk of disease spread.

The budget for the investment support for the prevention of particularly dangerous animal diseases was filled in just five days. Applications began to be accepted on June 30, and by July 4, the entire budget was full. ARIB closed the application process on July 5 at 4:00 p.m. There were more applicants than the amount of support promised, which shows how important financial support for biosecurity investments is for livestock farmers.

Sirli Kivisild, Head of the Animal Husbandry Department at the ARIB, said: “The number of applications shows that there is a strong understanding of the importance of biosecurity in the livestock sector. Particularly dangerous animal diseases, such as African swine fever, have caused great economic damage in recent years. We are pleased that companies are ready to invest proactively to reduce risks.”

The support could be used, for example, to purchase washing and disinfection equipment, install desomats and tunnels, build fences, establish vehicle cleaning areas and renovate buildings for keeping animals and birds. The measure also supported the purchase of equipment that can better control the movement of visitors and prevent the introduction of pathogens into farms.

The maximum amount of support per applicant was 400,000 euros. Smaller companies received up to 80% of the costs back, larger companies up to 60%. The minimum share of support was 15%. The evaluation gave preference to projects that led to a significant increase in the level of biosecurity and implemented measures with a long-term impact.

In addition, support for the prevention of foot-and-mouth disease continues, aiming to help cattle, sheep and goat farmers who have already started or plan to start implementing biosecurity measures. This support can be used to purchase disinfection equipment, build fences and improve the entrance and work organization of livestock buildings.

According to Katrin Reil, Deputy Director General of the Agricultural and Food Board, investments in biosecurity are of critical importance: “Prevention of animal diseases starts at the farm gate. When livestock farmers invest in safe entrances, desotunnels and animal movement control, this is a direct contribution to the safety of the entire Estonian livestock industry.”

Estonia has had several outbreaks in recent years, the consequences of which range from restrictions on markets to the destruction of herds. Therefore, biosecurity is increasingly seen not as a cost, but as necessary insurance.

Although the investment support round for particularly dangerous animal diseases has now been closed, the great interest is also a signal to the state that the need for such support will not disappear. The organization of new application rounds in the future depends on budgetary possibilities, but according to ARIB representatives, the situation will be monitored and the need for follow-up measures will be assessed.

Livestock farmers who plan to invest in biosecurity should follow ARIB news and prepare for the next application rounds. Although the grants do not cover the entire cost, they provide significant support in implementing investments aimed at keeping animals healthy and businesses sustainable.