The disease is highly contagious and the ban on the movement of pigs, pig semen, ova and embryos from Slovakia to other (EU) member states and third countries will be maintained, pending the completion of further epidemiological investigations.

The decision, taken after a meeting of EU veterinary experts, follows outbreaks at two commercial pig units in Slovakia. Both herd have been culled - a total of around 20,000 pigs.

The commission said the Slovak authorities had taken "very rigorous measures to control the disease," and has decided to allow pigs to "be moved from farm-to-farm and from farm-to-slaughter within Slovakia under certain conditions."