ASF Germany: ASF on its border puts France on high alert

‘In order to protect French territory, the minister for agriculture and food has announced a strengthening of the veterinary surveillance of wild birds and appeals for a strict respect of the biosecurity measures for the professionals in the pork industry, the regional authorities and travellers’, reads a statement of minister Marc Fesneau. He took over from his predecessor Julien Denormandie only one week ago.

No new ASF cases

ASF has been circulating for a decade in Eastern Europe and is present in the east of Germany since September 2020, the agriculture department says. “The case that has been confirmed on May 25th in Forchheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, is the first proof of its presence at the western border of Germany. The community is located at 6 kilometres from the French border on the other side of the Rhine.”

So far, no new cases are discovered in wild birds in the area. The German authorities have intensified the search for wild boar carcasses and are controlling the agricultural businesses in the region.

Prevention plan activated

“The services of the State are fully mobilised in order to examine every alert and to support professionals. The Plan for the Prevention of ASF, established in February 2022, has been activated immediately. This includes the strengthening of the surveillance of wild birds, a complete enumeration of all pig and boar holders as well as an evaluation and further support of the biosecurity measures on pig farms.”

The ministry also emphasises that the regulation of traceability has to be applied strictly.