Another German state confirms african swine fever in wild boar

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Germany has confirmed its first case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. According to the state's Ministry of Agriculture, the virus was detected in a dead wild boar found in the Sauerland region, Olpe district. The presence of ASF was confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), Germany’s federal research institute for animal health.

This marks a further expansion of ASF across Germany. Since the first confirmed case in Brandenburg in 2020, the disease has spread to Saxony, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg. According to the German Hunting Association, several thousand cases have been recorded in wild boars in these regions.

ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting both wild and domestic pigs, usually resulting in death within a week. Although it poses no risk to humans, the disease has significant economic implications for the pig farming industry.

Silke Gorißen, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that preventing the spread of ASF among the wild boar population is the top priority. She also urged pig farmers to strictly follow biosecurity protocols to protect their herds, especially under current conditions.


agrarheute.com

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