Disease caused by viruses - First case of swine fever in the county of Darmstadt-Dieburg
In Pfungstadt, located in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district, the first wild boar to test positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) has been found. The animal has already been taken to a carcass collection point, the district announced. Whether the existing containment zones need to be expanded is currently being reviewed by the district administration.
The district has already implemented comprehensive measures to control the situation. This includes the establishment of containment zones and wild boar barriers, as well as extensive drone flights and public awareness campaigns.
ASF was first detected in a wild boar in the Groß-Gerau district about six weeks ago. The viral disease is not treatable and almost always fatal for wild and domestic pigs. According to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, it is harmless to humans and other animal species, even if the meat of infected animals is consumed.
Following the detection of African Swine Fever in a wild boar in the nearby Groß-Gerau district, there's been heightened concern about the potential spread of the African Swine Fever in other regions. The current containment zones in Pfungstadt, established to control the situation, are under consideration for potential expansion due to the new development.
Despite being harmful to wild and domestic pigs, African Swine Fever poses no threat to human health or other animal species, as confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
