Swine fever: New exclusion zones set up in the Olpe district and the surrounding area!

Swine fever: New exclusion zones set up in the Olpe district and the surrounding area!

The decision has been made: The districts of Olpe, Siegen-Wittgenstein and Hochsauerlandkreis have set up new exclusion zones to contain African swine fever (ASF). This measure is no coincidence, as 15 dead wild boars in the affected areas recently tested positive for the highly contagious viral infection. The veterinary authorities have defined the new boundaries in close coordination with the State Animal Disease Control Center (LaTiKo) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection. According to siegener-zeitung.de, the previously infected areas are now classified as “exclusion zone II”.

A “exclusion zone I” extends around this exclusion zone, which acts as a buffer zone. This approximately ten kilometer wide strip is intended to further contain the spread of the virus. In “Exclusion Zone II” there is a strict ban on hunting, with a few exceptions, such as searching for injured game. However, a visit to the forest is permitted - provided that the designated paths are followed and dogs are on a leash.

Protective measures and rules

The new regulation brings with it a number of requirements, particularly for agriculture. In “Exclusion Zone II” it is prohibited to keep pigs outdoors or in the open range. Agricultural businesses also have to comply with special requirements when harvesting. Despite these restrictions, it is possible to apply for exemptions for the transport of pigs.

In addition to the general situation, the ministry has pointed out the correct behavior of the population: residual waste such as leftover food should definitely be disposed of far away from forests or rest areas in order to avoid the risk of infection. In the past few weeks, hunters across the country have shot almost 900 wild boars, all of which tested negative for ASF. This demonstrates the commitment to reducing the wild boar population, which is considered the main source of transmission.

Impact and distribution

What many people don't know: ASF cannot be transmitted to humans. However, according to information from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the virus infection can be spread very contagiously through direct contact with infected animals or their carcasses. The classification as highly contagious and the associated urgency to regulate the wild boar population illustrates how important the measures taken are. The public is also called upon to immediately report dead wild animals to the responsible district veterinary office - this can be done via the animal discovery app or other contact channels.

The exact specifications and the extent of the exclusion zones will be available on the districts' homepages so that everyone can find out about the current regulations. Only through joint efforts can we contain the spread of African swine fever and thus protect domestic animal husbandry. The veterinary authorities are available to answer any questions you may have.