Epizootic - Swine fever: Association appeals to farmers and citizens
After the first detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in a domestic pig in Hessen, the Hessian Farmers' Association calls on farmers and citizens to observe protective and behavioral measures. Pig farmers are urged to pay particular attention to so-called biosecurity measures and comply with them. This includes measures that make it difficult for the pathogen to enter pig herds and those that prevent further spread from infected farms. In addition, the population is urgently appealed to, especially in the control zone, to observe measures such as the leash law for dogs and to stay as much as possible on the roads to support the authorities in disease control and protect pigs. Food waste should not be disposed of in the environment.
On Monday, the first detection of ASF in a domestic pig in Hessen was reported. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a farm with nine pigs is affected, located at Biebesheim am Rhein (Landkreis Groß-Gerau). A blood sample was taken from an animal with symptoms during a control, and the Hessian State Labor confirmed the suspicion. The pigs on the farm were then killed under veterinary supervision.
Restrictions in the Control Zone
According to Ministry statements, a control zone with a radius of three kilometers and an observation zone with a ten-kilometer radius should be set up around the farm. In these areas, there are strict restrictions on the trade in pigs and products from pig meat, as well as on slaughtering. Slaughter products from there can only be marketed in Germany or must be heated for export. Manure, slurry, and used bedding may not be taken out of the zone.
ASF is a viral disease that is transmitted through contact with the blood or carcasses of infected animals. An infection is also possible by pigs consuming contaminated food waste that contains infected meat products. The virus can survive in sausages and ham for many months. The agent is harmless to humans. However, the disease in pigs usually runs a fatal course. There is no vaccine against ASF.
- Due to the epizootic of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Hesse, it's crucial for dog owners in the control zone to keep their pets on a leash to maintain health and safety standards for both dogs and pigs.
- In response to the first detection of ASF in Hesse, Friedrichsdorf residents should refrain from disposing of food waste in the environment to prevent the potential spread of the disease to pigs and farms.
- While African Swine Fever (ASF) is not harmful to humans, agriculture in Hesse is facing a significant challenge, with the detection of an infection case on a domestic pig farm in Biebesheim am Rhein.
- To mitigate the risk of African Swine Fever (ASF) spreading to other pig farms, Hesse farmers are being advised to implement biosecurity measures, such as strict hygiene protocols and regular screening of their animals.
- Pigs in Hesse are at risk of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and deadly virus, which can also be transmitted through contaminated animal feed or waste products, such as manure, slurry, and used bedding.
