- Undercover thieves targeting electrical power sources deliberately disrupt efforts to combat swine fever.
In the battle against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Rhein-Neckar district has put a halt to corn maze activities and enforced stricter regulations for camping and fishing. Whether for pleasure or business, individuals are now confined to sticking to public trails for 15 meters before reaching the water, as asserted by a representative from the Heidelberg district administration. Wild camping is also outlawed.
Commissioner Doreen Kuss of Health and Public Order disclosed that these initiatives aim to reduce disruptions to wild boars and thus halt the rapid propagation of the illness. The overall guidelines have also been revised in accordance with an EU regulation.
Power box larceny as sabotage
In an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease, the district has chosen to erect 90 cm high electric fences along federal roads, drawing power from battery-powered power boxes. Unfortunately, regrettably, such power boxes have fallen victim to thefts, Kuss reports. These thefts are sabotaging our efforts to control ASF and are unlawful.
North of Hemsbach, a hunter came across an infected wild boar a few days back. No other cases have been reported within the district, stated the representative. Humans remain unaffected by the virus, but it's highly contagious and often lethal for both domestic and wild swine.
Leash mandate and geocaching ban
Corn maze operators are now required to wait until after a search using drones for any wild boars, carcasses, or related remains before they can begin mowing or harvesting the field. Additionally, in an area of around 3 kilometers surrounding the infected animal's location, dogs must be kept on a leash, and only designated paths are open to cycling, riding, and walking. Geocaching and related treasure hunts are prohibited.
In the fight against African Swine Fever, various measures have been implemented in the Heidelberg district, including stricter regulations for activities near water. These regulations are part of a larger initiative led by Commissioner Doreen Kuss to minimize disruptions to wild boars and halt the spread of the illness.
Unfortunately, the theft of battery-powered power boxes, used to power electric fences along federal roads, is sabotaging these efforts and is an unlawful act in the Heidelberg district.
