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Wild boars in sight: Hunting to combat ASF permitted again!
The Darmstadt-Dieburg district is adapting the general decree to combat African swine fever and allowing limited hunting.
Wild boars in sight: Hunting to combat ASF permitted again!
A lot has happened in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district! The general decree to combat African swine fever (ASF) was adapted to enable more effective containment of the animal disease. Driven and harvest hunts for wild boars are again permitted in exclusion zone II under certain conditions. As Lutz Köhler, deputy district administrator, explains, these hunts play a central role for hunters and the control of ASF, which has already caused 400 positive cases in wild boars since it was first detected at the end of July 2024. This is a real red flag that should not be ignored. [Ladadi]. the region.
The new procedure stipulates that driven and harvest hunts must be reported to the veterinary authority one week in advance using an online form. Certain information such as date, area and the responsible organization are required here. An important point: Licensed dogs are only allowed to pursue game for short periods of time to avoid direct contact with wild boars. Although stand and stalk hunting remains permitted in the white zones, mobile and harvest hunts are still excluded there. This provides additional clarity in hunting practices and helps protect game and animal health.
The right approach is required
In order to protect the freedoms of hunters and at the same time contain the spread of ASF, strict hygiene rules must be observed. People who have contact with domestic pigs are not allowed to take part in the hunts. In addition, dogs, clothing and vehicles must be cleaned and disinfected after any contact with wild boars. These measures are crucial to safeguard the health status of the wild boar population and ensure that the control of ASF remains effective.
In addition, the Weapons Act has undergone some changes that particularly affect hunters in relation to night hunting. In Hesse, night vision devices have been allowed to be used when hunting wild boar since February 2020, even if the night hunting ban generally applies. This is also reflected in the regulations that apply in other federal states, as can be found in the overview of the exceptions under state law. The Jagdenverband emphasizes that in areas at risk of ASF, special regulations can be issued that enable the handling of items prohibited by weapons law - an additional tool in the fight against this dangerous disease.
The adjustments in Darmstadt-Dieburg are not only a step towards combating ASF, but also an answer to the needs of the hunters. The district shows that it is possible to sensibly regulate wild populations while protecting the health of animals and people. The amended general order is available on the district's website and provides important information for anyone interested.