African swine fever (ASF) successfully eradicated in Saxony
Nearly 2,400 cases of African swine fever (ASF) have been detected since 2020.
Following the index case on October 31, 2020, in a wild boar presumably migrating from Poland via the Neisse River, a total of 2,398 cases of African swine fever (ASF) were detected in Saxony. At their greatest extent in 2023, the restricted zones necessary for ASF control covered approximately one-third of Saxony's area. A total of around 830 kilometers of protective fencing was created to restrict the movement of wild boar and thus the spread of the virus. Of this, approximately 480 kilometers of fencing has already been removed. Combating the disease required a significant reduction in the wild boar population. The Free State of Saxony has spent approximately 60 million euros on ASF control.
Biosecurity measures on farms pay off - continued caution is advised.
State Minister Köpping emphasizes: “I am particularly pleased that the virus has been successfully prevented from entering domestic pig herds. Farmers have been very meticulous about biosecurity and hygiene on their farms. This will continue to be necessary to prevent the virus from finding its way into these herds. Outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) are currently occurring not only in Eastern and Southern Europe, but also in the western German states of Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. Therefore, the following still applies: Food scraps must not be thrown away indiscriminately, but should be placed in closed containers. Dead wild boar should be reported to the local veterinary office immediately.”
The Ministry of Social Affairs will apply to the EU Commission this month to lift the restricted zone in the Bautzen district. The protective corridor, consisting of two parallel fences along the border with Poland in the Görlitz district, will remain in place until African swine fever (ASF) has also been eradicated in the adjacent areas of the neighboring country. However, the favorable development of the ASF situation in both countries has already made it possible to adjust the risk assessment. Therefore, the dismantling of part of the mobile wild boar barrier, which had been created in addition to the permanent fences along the Neisse River, could be initiated.
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