The investigation began after a local resident discovered the remains of three dead wild boar piglets in the Vaalimaa area and submitted them to the Finnish Food Authority, Ruokavirasto.
Preliminary laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the ASF virus genome. The results still need to be verified by the European Union Reference Laboratory for African Swine Fever in Spain.
However, the Finnish authorities decided not to wait for the final confirmation and immediately began implementing measures to contain the potential outbreak.
Ruokavirasto established a restricted zone covering the municipalities of Virolahti and Miehikkälä, as well as the southern part of the municipality of Lappeenranta.
Within this area, the movement of pigs has been restricted and biosecurity requirements for pig farms have been strengthened. Hunting of wild boar and other animal species has also been prohibited, except for measures organised by the veterinary authorities to control the wild boar population.
In addition, feeding wild boar and carrying out any other activities that could contribute to the spread of the virus have been prohibited.
All wild boar found dead or hunted within the restricted zone must be tested for ASF, and their carcasses must be safely disposed of.
No cases of infection in domestic pigs have been reported in Finland to date.
PigUA.info, based on materials from 3tres3.com