Swine fever in North Rhine-Westphalia: Danger for pigs, but none for people!

Swine fever in North Rhine-Westphalia: Danger for pigs, but none for people!

African swine fever (ASF) remains an ongoing issue in agriculture and animal husbandry in Germany. But don't worry, humans are not affected by this animal disease. As WDR states, ASF only affects domestic and wild pigs, while other animals such as dogs and cats as well as wild animals such as deer are not exposed to any risk of infection.

The virus has been spreading in this country since 2020 and has already affected several stocks. The spread of the disease is particularly evident in the affected federal states such as Brandenburg, Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. Once infected, the disease is almost always fatal for the pigs. This is made clear by the symptoms, which range from a lack of movement and reluctance to eat to fever and vomiting Focus Animal Welfare.

Transmission routes and biosecurity

Transmission of the ASF virus occurs primarily through direct contact with infected animals or through contaminated food and objects such as hunting weapons or clothing. Therefore, strict biosecurity requirements are necessary. This includes the ban on leftover food and the connection of hygiene locks for visitors BMEL.

A high density of pigs in the stable, handling disinfected changes of clothing and shoes as well as complete documentation of visitors to the stable are other important measures when dealing with ASF. These safety measures could not only help contain the disease, but also ensure that farmers' animals are not put at risk when it comes to securing their stocks.

Consumers and meat marketing

It is particularly important for consumers to be vigilant. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Community points out that contaminated meat should not be sold. However, it remains unclear whether meat is actually contaminated with the ASF virus WDR. This can have a major impact on the market because, despite the dangers posed by ASF to the pig population, the economic damage resulting from control measures and trade restrictions can be enormous.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture has also published a brochure entitled “Protection from animal diseases – what farmers can do”. This brochure, available in five languages, is intended to help farmers better understand and implement biosecurity requirements. These measures are essential to further contain the spread of ASF and to give farmers a secure future for their stocks.

In summary, this means that ASF remains a serious threat to pigs, while humans need not fear it. Having a good handle on precautions can help keep the situation under control.