New restriction concept against African swine fever in Mannheim

New restriction concept against African swine fever in Mannheim

In a significant reaction to the threat of the African Swine plague (ASP), the state government in Baden-Württemberg has decided. This applies in particular to the cities of Mannheim and the Rhein-Neckar district, where restriction zones are set up in order to combat the spread of animal disease.

The threat of swine population

The African swine plague is considered a highly dangerous animal disease for pigs and is harmless to humans. In the neighboring federal states of Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, numerous wild boars have already been tested positively for the virus. In Hesse there were even outbreaks in several pig farming companies. The last confirmed case of an infected wild boar was recorded on July 27, 2024 in the Hessian district of Bergstrasse, which borders directly on Baden-Württemberg. Minister of nutrition, rural areas and consumer protection, Peter Hauk, therefore warns for caution, since the risk of an entry according to Baden-Württemberg is classified as very high.

pension measures take form

To effectively contain the plague, the restriction zones are divided into two categories: restricted zone I, which acts as a buffer zone, and restricted zone II that represents the infected zone. In these zones, far -reaching restrictions apply to the distribution of animals and products, hunting bans and various measures to fight disease. A central goal of these measures is to minimize the risk of spreading the ASP.

organic security measures and public education

In the course of the protective measures, the importance of organic security measures is emphasized. Pig counters can take free consultations on these measures in order to be prepared for a potential epidemic outbreak as possible. In addition, the citizens are asked: holidaymakers and truck drivers are asked not to leave any food residues in nature during their excursions to prevent the ASP from being introduced.

Effective control and search dog teams

An outstanding role in combating the ASP, the trained search dog teams from Mosbach take on. These teams support in the search for infected wild boar carcasses and have already proven themselves. Your effective work is not only used locally, but also across borders between Hessen and Baden-Württemberg.

conclusion: prevention is the key

The overall strategy of the state government is prophylaxis that relies on early detection and prevention to keep the virus away from the domestic wild boar population and pig counters. The minister emphasizes the importance of dealing with food residues and the implementation of organic security measures. At a time when the vacation time is approaching, the entire community has a responsibility to protect domestic animal husbandry and prevent the spread of the ASP.

- Nag