A large protest is being organized tomorrow in Retkovci to protest the numerous measures put in place because of the African swine fever epidemic. All farmers, livestock farmers, and citizens are invited to attend the event at 10 a.m. The main goal of the protest is to save the Croatian countryside and demands include an immediate end to the euthanasia of healthy pigs and the passing of a law to allow the circulation and slaughter of healthy pigs.
However, there has been controversy surrounding the appointment of Duško Pavlik as President of the Trade Union. In September this year, Pavlik was mentioned in a criminal report for moving pigs in violation of the ban within the restriction zone, which is believed to have contributed to the spread of African swine fever in the area and caused damage to pig farmers and the state budget. Despite these concerns, Pavlik was presented as leader of new union at a press conference. When asked about criminal complaint, Tomislav Pokrovac from Stožer for defense of Croatian countryside expressed disinterest and denied allegations while Ministry of Agriculture emphasized severe consequences even one infected pig and measures programs in place to compensate farmers losses.