African swine plague: District of Görlitz declares epidemic to end!

African swine plague: District of Görlitz declares epidemic to end!

In the district of Görlitz, an important step in combating the African swine plague (ASP) was carried out today: the last case of the plague was officially lifted. After almost five years of intensive efforts, this comes to containing the ASP, which has given numerous companies in East of Saxony since its first discovery in October 2020, such as n-tv reported.

A total of almost 2,400 ASP cases were recorded in wild boar in Saxony, with the district of Görlitz particularly severely affected by around 1,500 cases. A positive sign is that one week before the abolition of eleven active cases existed nationwide, which underlines the progress in the fight against epidemics. Nevertheless, the seater situation remains tense, especially in view of the border location of Poland and the Czech Republic and new cases in West German federal states, such as MDR supplemented.

challenges of epidemic control

The ASP represents a significant danger, especially for pig farming. The disease that originally originally originated in Africa and has spread across Europe not only affects agriculture, but also hunters. In the region, there were comprehensive restrictions and regulations for the fight against disease. This outlines the urgency and commitment of the authorities, which must keep an eye on the animal population and the wild population. In this way, restricted zones were reduced in which activities in agriculture and forestry as well as hunting are facilitated, which brightens the general situation of the affected companies.

It is particularly gratifying that the areas housed in the new restricted zone I now have fewer restrictions in the south of the district. Meat from kept wild boars can be sold to local butchers and restaurants, and pigs from this new zone may be marketed nationwide. Nevertheless, the district veterinary office warns of a general relaxation of the situation, since new outbreaks have been registered north of the Bärwalder See and wild boars are still a transmission risk, so agriculture.de .

protective measures remain necessary

Although large parts of the districts of Meißen, Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Mountains, Bautzen and Görlitz are no longer considered endangered and have been shown as a buffer zone since May 2024, the measures to combat the ASP continue to apply. Wild defense fences remain, and it is essential to immediately report died wild boar to the responsible food surveillance and veterinary office. Above all, the transfer of the ASP through direct contact or objects containing virus represents a constant risk.

Overall, the situation has changed significantly since the first ASP cases in September 2020. The challenges in pig farming and the increase in wild boar population require strategic questioning of previous measures and intensive surveillance. This will continue to be particularly important for the district of Görlitz in order to counteract further outbreaks and to protect local agriculture.