African swine fever: farmers in Hesse are fighting for survival!

African swine fever: farmers in Hesse are fighting for survival!

On June 15, 2022, a massive problem was identified in Hesse that severely affects many farmers and the wild boar population: the first case of African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed. Since then, hundreds of wild boars have died and tens of thousands of domestic pigs have been slaughtered to stop the spread of the virus. Loud hessenschau.de In recent years, many farmers have been forced to give up their businesses due to financial constraints and strict official measures. Exclusion zones were set up, which entailed significant restrictions for farmers, hunters and local residents.

Twelve districts and independent cities are currently still affected by ASF. Between 50 and 100 dead wild boars continue to be found in southern Hesse every day, and since June 2024 alone, over 2,000 wild boars have died from this highly contagious viral infection. In total, more than 5,000 carcasses or carcass parts have been discovered so far; Special cadaver detection dogs are even used to search for infected animals.

Numerous containment measures

The challenge of ASF is forcing the authorities to dig deep into their pockets. By the end of May 2025, over 20 million euros had been invested in material resources such as fences. Around 280 kilometers of permanent fence and 300 kilometers of mobile electric fence have already been built. Despite some lifting of restrictions in certain areas, many farmers remain severely affected. Especially in exclusion zone 3, farmers at slaughterhouses do not receive any money, which puts economic pressure on animal husbandry.

However, improvement is in sight. Since mid-March 2025, over 2,400 wild boars have been shot in the exclusion zones. But the biggest concern remains: the risk of reinfection in domestic pigs in the summer and the possibility that the virus will be reintroduced from outside is a concern for authorities and farmers alike.

Transmission routes and protective measures

African swine fever cannot be transmitted to humans - this means that consumption of infected pork or direct contact is not a health risk for humans. Nevertheless, the virus poses a high risk for domestic and wild pigs: it is transmitted through contact with infected animals, their carcasses or through contaminated materials. Against this background, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has introduced comprehensive biosecurity measures to better protect pig farms and keep the wild boar population under control, as well bmel.de explained.

If the illnesses decline in a region and the virus is considered to be extinguished, the requirements can be lifted quickly. However, it will be essential that animal owners carry out proper inspection and reporting. Farmers are also obliged to inform the responsible authorities if they suspect ASF.

Crisis management remains at full speed to contain the ASF. How pigs.net reported, concrete action and feedback from the affected areas must be stably organized in order to ensure a lasting decline in swine fever in Hesse and beyond.

In conclusion, this challenging situation not only affects the welfare of the animals, but also the economic existence of many farmers in the region. The question of how to finally contain the virus remains one of the biggest challenges for agriculture and public health for the time being.