- Fifty kilometers of immovable barrier installed for swine fever containment.
In the battle against the spreading of African Swine Fever (ASF), they're constructing a wild boar-resistant barrier, spanning a length of 50 kilometers, in Southern Hesse. The construction, starting from Dieburg in the north to the state border in the south along federal highway B45, was scheduled to start on Wednesday, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture.
"This permanent barrier is another significant step in risk management. Our goal is to take the lead on this disease and create a robust wall against ASF spreading to other areas," remarked Agriculture Minister Ingmar Jung (CDU).
Construction is estimated to take between two to three weeks.
As per the ministry, work will be carried out in two shifts, with six construction crews operating simultaneously. The purpose of the barrier is to prevent the spread to the Odenwald and neighboring states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
The new barrier is a reaction to repeated instances of swine fever beyond the existing strategic fences. Since the onset of swine fever in mid-June within the district of Groß-Gerau, the protection zones have been consistently broadened. Presently, large parts of Southern Hesse, as well as Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg, are affected.
The wild boar-resistant barrier is being built in the region of Southern Hessen, specifically between Dieburg and the state border on federal highway B45. To effectively contain the spread of ASF, the new barrier aims to act as a protective shield for Odenwald and neighboring states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
