Scientists Confirm First African Swine Fever Case in Wild Boar in North Rhine-Westphalia
In a recent development, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut has confirmed the first case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in a wild boar in the Olpe district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The institute reported the finding on Monday, following the death of the animal. In response, the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Agriculture has issued a warning, urging increased vigilance.
Anne Benett-Sturies, the state secretary for agriculture, emphasized the importance of strict biosafety measures, stating, “The current disease developments show how crucial prevention is.” She particularly stressed the need for caution among pig keepers and hunters to prevent the spread of the disease.
Notably, Schleswig-Holstein has implemented strengthened prevention measures since August 2024, including a compensation for the testing of dead wild boar. The ASF is not a threat to human health, but is fatal to pigs. As of now, no vaccine is available.