Red alarm level: African swine fever reaches North Rhine-Westphalia!

Red alarm level: African swine fever reaches North Rhine-Westphalia!

Thüringen, Deutschland - In North Rhine-Westphalia, the first proven case of the African swine plague (ASP) was found in a died animal. This message not only shocks the region, but also the Thuringian state government, which is concerned about the current situation. Minister Katharina Schenk appeals to the population in Thuringia to be vigilant and to immediately report to the veterinary office of every unknown death of wild boar in order to prevent further spread of the virus. ASP is not dangerous for humans, but it almost always ends fatal for pigs. The virus is considered highly contagious and terminally, which makes the situation more explosive.

The African swine plague has spread in Europe since 2014 and has recorded various federal states, including Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg and now also North Rhine-Westphalia. So far, Thuringia has been able to prevent an outbreak, but the fear of a possible spread increases with the proof of a case in a neighboring state. The unclear origin of the virus, in which human misconduct or contact with wild boar are considered as possible causes, requires quick action.

prevention measures are in focus

To prevent the entry of the ASP virus to Thuringia, the state government initiated preventive measures years ago. These are now further adapted. The State Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Women and Family (Tmasgff) emphasizes that there is no vaccination against the ASP, which means that the situation for breeders and farmers remains particularly tense. Especially in summer it is recommended to check security measures and ask the population to report diluted animals as soon as possible to ensure proper sampling and disposal.

Current information on the animal disease situation in Germany is dynamic and are subject to constant changes. Wild boars are particularly affected, the population of which is a relevant factor in the spread of the disease in Germany. As is well known, responsibility for combating the ASP lies with the federal states, supported by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (Fli). The concern that the virus could be transferred to food residues also requires a high degree of attention from hunting communities and farmers. Food residues should always be inaccessible to avoid infection of the wild boar.

Together against the disease

The news about the first confirmed case in North Rhine-Westphalia comes at a time when the exchange with adjacent countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France is intensified to ensure maximum security. The protection of house and wild boar is a top priority, since the economic damage can be significant through measures such as restricted zones and trade restrictions. For this reason, the cooperation of the population is essential. In particular, hunters, farmers and veterinarians are called to act immediately in the event of abnormalities and to provide precise information about the location.

Thuringia and the surrounding federal states are facing a crucial challenge and hope to be able to keep the virus in chess in the long term. The affected counties have also agreed to work closely with the veterinary office in order to cope with the situation as soon as possible. It remains to be hoped that the risk of an ASP outbreak can be minimized by coordinated action and clarification of the population.

For more information, the current positional representations are available on the website of the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute here , while information specifically about ASP in Thuringia under this link can be called up. Media reports, such as those of Thuringia, remain important with regard to developments to inform and sensitize the population.