Red alarm level: African swine fever threatens Waldeck-Frankenberg!

Red alarm level: African swine fever threatens Waldeck-Frankenberg!

Waldeck-Frankenberg, Deutschland - The threat from the African swine plague (ASP) moves closer to the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. According to 112-Magazin, hunting districts in the district are affected by an animal disease order that was issued by the veterinary office. For the region, measures to prevent and combat this highly contagious viral infection are urgently required.

The ASP affects house and wild boars and leads to the death of the animals in almost all cases. Since its introduction to Europe in 2014, the disease has repeatedly caused outbreaks in different countries, most recently in Germany in 2021, where both wild boars and pigs were affected. An overview of the spread of the ASP can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

systematic search for carcass

In order to minimize the risk if possible, a systematic search for possibly infected animals will be carried out in the coming days. Specially trained carcass dogs are used in the upland to thoroughly search a strip about ten kilometers wide along the national border with North Rhine-Westphalia.

hunting and area -oriented persons are called to follow the recommended protective measures. The veterinary office should be reported immediately to the veterinary office. There is comprehensive information and behavioral recommendations on the district's website, which is easily accessible to all those affected.

A look at the risks

The transferability of the ASP virus to humans is excluded. However, there is a risk of infection due to the contact with blood or cadavians of infected animals. In theory, insects can also contribute to the transmission, which is why strict hygiene and bios safety measures of farmers are recommended to prevent contact between game and domestic pigs.

The incubation period varies between two and 15 days, and the virus can remain infectious in dead animals for several weeks to months. Consumers must also pay particular attention: eating ASP-infected game meat is not dangerous for humans, but a report of dead wild boars via a special animal find app or contact with the veterinary authority is urgently advised. Touching carcasses should be avoided, since there is also a risk of infection.

In addition, the export of pig products is severely restricted, since Germany can no longer confirm the freedom from this animal disease due to the ASP. This means considerable challenges for farmers, but there are already measures for crisis management by the BMEL to cope with the situation.

The ASP represents a serious threat to animal husbandry, and all those affected are called up to be vigilant. Stay informed and actively contribute to prevention!