African swine fever: First case in Sauerland endangers Münsterland!

African swine fever: First case in Sauerland endangers Münsterland!

The threat of African swine fever (ASF) is growing in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the management of the affected municipalities is alarmed. On June 14, 2025, a wild boar tested positive for the ASF virus in the Kurd of the Olpe district, more precisely in the municipality of Kirchhundem. This is the first confirmed case of this highly contagious viral infection in North Rhine-Westphalia, like that State Office for Consumer Protection and Nutrition NRW communicates.

The dead animal was discovered by someone authorized to hunt and then analyzed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI). Minister Silke Gorißen emphasizes the urgency of measures to combat the spread of the disease. Biosecurity measures have already been activated to protect the wild boar population and agriculture. These include, among other things, the fencing of stables and hygiene locks for people and vehicles. Farmers in the region are also encouraged to follow the relevant guidelines.

Fears and hopes in Münsterland

Christoph Gerd-Holling, a local farmer from Everswinkel-Alverskirchen, is concerned about the situation. He expressed the desire to increase the distance between the two affected communities in order to minimize the likelihood of virus transmission. The hope in the region is that the ASF virus does not penetrate Münsterland and thus cause further damage. The danger is real because the virus is transmitted both through direct contact with infected animals and through indirect routes, such as via vehicles or hunting equipment.

African swine fever, which was first detected in Germany in Brandenburg in 2020, has since then spread continuously in various federal states. Although the disease is harmless to humans, it almost always leads to the death of infected wild and domestic pigs. The latest reports on the spread of ASF in Europe show that the situation remains critical, particularly in the federal states of Brandenburg, Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where there have also recently been outbreaks in kept pigs.

Joint efforts to combat

In order to counteract the further spread of ASF, the responsible authorities are working closely together. The Olpe district veterinary office has taken action and implemented additional measures to protect against possible spread. This also includes setting up a restriction zone around the location where the infected wild boar was found. In addition, a team of epidemiological experts from the FLI will support the local authorities in order to be able to react quickly and efficiently to further developments.

Farmers are not only obliged to comply with biosecurity measures, but should also immediately report wild boars found dead. Posters and information materials have already been distributed in the regions to raise awareness of the disease and promote preventative steps. The passionate farmer Gerd-Holling and his colleagues show solidarity in dealing with the virus and in their efforts to protect their own region.

The challenges are great, but with the right measures and the support of everyone involved, the spread of ASF could be stopped. Even though it is a critical situation, those responsible believe in the possibility of protecting Münsterland and beyond. Because one thing is certain: there is something going on – and not just for farmers.