Livestock disease - Further cases of African Swine Fever in Hesse
Due to the reoccurrence of African Swine Fever in the south-Hessian district of Groß-Gerau, 187 domestic pigs have been culled. According to the Hessian Agriculture Ministry, the disease African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in two further farms, one with 17 pigs and the other with 170 pigs. Last week, over 1,000 domestic pigs were culled in Stockstadt due to ASF infection.
The owner of the smaller farm discovered a dead pig in his herd and reported it to the Veterinary Office. In the larger farm, some pigs showed signs of weakness and fever. The district Veterinary Office took samples immediately, which tested positive at the state laboratory.
ASF cases concentrated regionally
According to a spokesperson for the Agriculture Ministry, the repeated occurrences of African Swine Fever in domestic pigs are strongly concentrated regionally. In the area around the Knoblochsaue and Kühkopf, there is currently an enormous high virus load. This also means that the spread to adjacent regions has been prevented so far.
The first ASF case in Hessen occurred, according to the statements, already in mid-June in the district of Groß-Gerau in a wild boar. Since then, a large-scale carcass search has been taking place in the region. According to the Ministry, teams with special carcass search dogs and drones have already searched 17,000 hectares of land. So far, 43 positive cases have been detected.
ASF is a viral disease that is transmitted through contact with the blood or carcasses of infected animals. Transmission can also occur when pigs consume contaminated food waste that contains infected meat products. The virus is harmless to humans. There is no vaccine against ASF.
- The recurrence of African Swine Fever in Hesse, specifically in the district of Great-Gerau, has resulted in BMELV issuing guidelines for the prevention and control of the disease in pig herds.
- The Level 3 alert for African Swine Fever, issued by the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMELV), requires strict biosecurity measures in pig farms to prevent the spread of the virus.
- In light of the current outbreak, it's essential for pig farmers in Hesse, including those in the region of Piggeredness, to be vigilant and closely monitor their herds for any signs of disease in their pigs.
- The confinement and culling of pigs from affected farms in Great-Gerau and Stockstadt are part of the disease control efforts, aimed at preventing the further spread of African Swine Fever across the agriculture sector in Hesse.
- The Agriculture Ministry in Hesse is collaborating with neighboring states and the European Union to ensure that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever to other parts of Germany and Europe, protecting livestock and the broader economy of the pig farming industry.
