African swine fever reaches Siegen-Wittgenstein: Red alert!

African swine fever reaches Siegen-Wittgenstein: Red alert!

Today, July 3, 2025, African swine fever (ASF) is overshadowing the Siegen-Wittgenstein region. The virus was first detected in the district when a dead wild boar was discovered near Bad Berleburg. This has already set in motion a series of protective measures to contain the disease, which is spreading in the neighborhood of Olpe district, where the disease has already been detected. Rhein-Zeitung reports that the detection of the virus in the carcass is now putting the local wild boar population under pressure.

The Siegen-Wittgenstein district is currently in close contact with the Olpe district and the Friedrich Loeffler Institute to clarify what will happen to the wild boar carcasses in Kirchhundem and what further steps are necessary. The state has already introduced protective measures, which were sealed by general orders from the Olpe, Hochsauerlandkreis and Siegen-Wittgenstein districts. These measures are the first response to an outbreak in a wild boar herd in Kirchhundem. WDR adds that to date eleven dead wild boars have already been identified near Kirchhundem and tested positive for ASF.

Protective measures and threats

African swine fever is considered a highly contagious viral infection that affects both domestic and wild pigs. The virus almost always causes the infected animals to die within a few days. But we humans have the all-clear, because ASF is not transmittable. This is reassuring news for consumers concerned about pork consumption. BMEL explains that transmission to humans through direct contact or through consumption of pork is not possible. Nevertheless, the risk of infection in wild boars is high.

Various measures have been adopted to control the spread of ASF. These include, among other things, defining an infected area and increasing hunting of the wild boar population. In particular, the advice to avoid contact between kept and wild pigs benefits farmers, who now have to pay even more attention to hygiene and biosecurity. Hygiene and biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease and prevent further losses in pig farming.

Attentive hunters and citizens

Hunters and every member of the population are in demand. Everyone should be alert and report if they find dead wild boars. These can be reported via the animal discovery app or the veterinary authority. It is important to avoid direct contact with the carcasses to prevent the virus from spreading further. Proper disposal and disinfection are also necessary if materials have come into contact with wild boars.

The situation surrounding African swine fever remains tense. The authorities need to take the next steps to keep the virus in check and ensure the health of pig herds. The exchange between the districts and the responsible institutes is crucial in these challenging times. The goal is clear: to prevent the spread of ASF so that agriculture and pig farming in the region are not further endangered.