Alarm in NRW: African swine fever is spreading – what farmers need to know!

Alarm in NRW: African swine fever is spreading – what farmers need to know!

There is worrying news in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW): The first cases of African swine fever (ASF) have been reported. This highly contagious viral infection threatens both domestic and wild pigs and is almost always fatal. Loud WDR The first detection of the ASF virus in Germany occurred on June 15, 2024 in Hesse, when a wild boar near Frankfurt am Main tested positive. The virus originated in Africa, but it has also spread to Europe since 2007 and the threat is growing.

But how is the virus transmitted? Scientists agree that direct contact between infected and uninfected animals poses the greatest risk. Particular caution is required when it comes to human transmission routes, such as through improperly disposed of food or the exchange of contaminated objects. According to the report, employees from regions where ASF cases are already known are particularly affected Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Some risk factors have already been identified: These include often insufficient awareness of the problem and neglect of hygiene regulations. Wearing the same boots from the stables to the feed trucks is a common mistake.

Prevention is everything

In the fight against ASF, farmers must take urgent measures to prevent its spread. One possibility is to train employees how UFA review reported. Setting up hygiene locks, fencing pig farms and avoiding beneficial animal nutrition are essential steps. Caution is also required when handling food: there is a risk of infection from discarded food from affected areas. Farmers are not allowed to bring or use products from such regions, especially if they come from Eastern European countries.

Hobby and mini pig farmers are often inadequately informed and can unknowingly increase the risk. Above all, compliance with regulations, such as double fencing for free-range livestock, must be rigorously implemented. “Having a good hand” in animal husbandry these days also requires an enormous level of awareness of health risks such as ASF. So anyone who keeps pigs should be particularly careful.

What to do if you suspect?

The symptoms of an ASF infection are varied and range from high fever to sudden death. Affected farmers are advised to notify a veterinarian immediately if they suspect anything. There is no treatment because the virus is generally not treatable and a vaccine is not currently available. There is therefore no choice but to take precautions through preventive measures.

It is important to be aware of the current risks not only as a farmer but also as a walker. Hygiene regulations should also be adhered to when walking in the forest to prevent the virus from spreading. Reports of dead wild boars should be passed on immediately via the animal discovery app or to the local veterinary authority.

Overall, only one thing helps to contain the spread of African swine fever: comprehensive information, rigorous hygiene and uniform protective measures. If the animals hurt or one dies, quick action is required - otherwise ASF will soon have an easy time of it in Germany.