African swine fever is spreading: exclusion zone in Märkisch-Oderland

African swine fever is spreading: exclusion zone in Märkisch-Oderland

African swine fever (ASF) has made itself felt again in the Märkisch-Oderland district: the highly contagious viral infection was detected in a wild boar that had been shot at the river border. This increases the excitement about this animal disease again. The responsible authorities reacted immediately and set up an exclusion zone for the villages of Bleyen, Genschmar, Groß Neuendorf, Kienitz and Sophienthal. This reports rbb24.

As a reminder: The first case of African swine fever in Germany was documented on September 10, 2020 in the Spree-Neiße district. Since then, the disease has spread across large parts of Germany, with the Spree-Neiße district being particularly affected. Last Monday, shortly before this new case, the exclusion zones in the Spree-Neisse district were almost completely lifted. ASF is usually fatal for infected animals, but there is no danger for humans, as confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

Restricted zones and official measures

African swine fever is a highly contagious viral infection that affects both wild and domestic pigs and almost always results in the death of the animals. The virus can be spread through direct contact between wild and domestic pigs or through contaminated food. The virus also adheres to hunting objects, food, clothing and shoes, which promotes rapid spread. The animals see no possibility of saving themselves and those around them have to prepare for drastic measures. In the case of confirmed outbreaks, entire animal populations must be killed in order to contain the disease, as the Ministry of Environment and Consumer Protection in Brandenburg explains.

The consequences have already been clearly noticeable in the past: economic damage resulted from restrictions on trade and the establishment of exclusion zones. According to the implementing regulation of November 23, 2024, exclusion zones have been set up in regions such as Spree-Neiße, Oberspreewald-Lausitz and of course Märkisch-Oderland to prevent the spread of the disease.

Outlook and precautions

The danger does not seem to have been averted, even if official measures repeatedly aim to contain ASF. The exchange between the federal states is important in order to combat the disease together. This also includes increased educational and surveillance measures. Hunting parties and animal owners are therefore called upon to dispose of leftover food carefully so as not to unknowingly endanger wild boars.

One evil still remains to be mentioned: the virus remains contagious for a long time in chilled, frozen and smoked meat. It is therefore necessary to exercise extreme caution when processing and disposing of meat products. This makes it all the more important to regularly inform the population about the risks of swine fever and to inform them about the latest developments, especially in the affected regions.