Animals - Seven wild boars tested positive for swine fever
After the first discovery of a wild boar infected with African Swine Fever in the Kreis Groß-Gerau, according to the Agriculture Ministry, seven carcasses have tested positive so far. A total of 50 carcasses have been examined in the state laboratory, the ministry announced on Thursday. The positive animals were all found in the vicinity, south of Rüsselsheim.
On Thursday, Agriculture Minister Ingmar Jung (CDU) obtained an overview of the search teams in action there. "It's impressive to see what a dog and a human can do here, and the working conditions could hardly be worse: heat, thorny overgrown terrain, and constant attacks by swarms of flies are constant companions of the teams in many search areas," Jung said. The work allows the veterinary authorities to get an overview and then adjust the restriction zones.
On Wednesday, it was told to the affected municipalities that harvesting and mowing on the fields could be allowed again. However, the agricultural areas had to be flown over first with a drone. From Friday, certain property owners in Wiesbaden were required to allow representatives of the veterinary authorities to enter their properties. The city is searching the Wiesbaden zone with people, dogs, and drones to reduce the infection situation.
- The discovery of African Swine Fever in Groß-Gerau has led to a significant concern in the nearby city of Rüsselsheim, as both regions are part of the Hesse state in Germany.
- Dr. Ingmar Jung, the Agriculture Minister of Hesse, is closely monitoring the situation, utilizing technology such as drones to survey affected agricultural areas, particularly in Wiesbaden.
- Despite the challenging conditions, including extreme heat, thorny terrains, and fly swarms, search teams are actively working to locate and test wild boar carcasses for African Swine Fever in Groß-Gerau.
- The outbreak of African Swine Fever in wild boar has caused a ripple effect, affecting local farming practices in the vicinity of Rüsselsheim, requiring regulations like restricted harvesting and mowing in certain areas.
- Veterinary scientists worldwide are working tirelessly to develop potential vaccines and prevention methods for African Swine Fever, as the disease has a significant impact on animal health and the global swine industry.
