Strategies for Managing African Swine Fever Outbreaks

In Baden-Württemberg, a battle is underway against the African Swine Fever (ASF), with the disease spreading primarily in the northern part of the state, particularly in the Rhein-Neckar district and cities like Mannheim and Heidelberg.

To combat the disease, a series of measures have been implemented. In Zone I, movement and hunting are still possible under certain conditions. However, the next step in the fight against ASF is the installation of so-called watering points in Quarantine Zone II, initially at strategic points in the state forest. These watering points, a proven measure in disease control according to Minister for Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection, Peter Hauk, are mandatory according to the regulations of the European Union.

The African Swine Fever virus was introduced to Georgia in 2007 and has since spread to Europe. To contain the disease, approximately 40 kilometers of electric fence and 11 kilometers of permanent fence have been installed in Baden-Württemberg.

The Aulendorf Wildlife Research Center has comprehensively researched the use of drinking traps for ASF control. Baited traps will be used initially in state forests at strategically important points in quarantine zone II to significantly reduce the wild boar population and break infection chains. The use of baited traps is a last resort and requires intensive training and experience due to animal welfare considerations. The traps are continuously monitored to ensure no other animals are caught or injured.

The State Hunting Association is offering training to help hunters effectively participate in disease control through stalking hunting. A "Black Game Capture Guide" has been developed for practical use, demonstrating the possibilities of using drinking traps for disease control.

To coordinate these efforts, the Ministry of Agriculture in Baden-Württemberg has established an ASF coordination group and a disease control team. ASF detection dogs and drone teams from the Training Center Retten and Helfen (TCHR) Mosbach are supporting local forces in searching for infected wild boar carcasses.

In the Rhein-Neckar district, Mannheim, and Heidelberg, quarantine zones have been established, general orders issued, and permanent fences erected to limit the movement of wild boars. The Baden-Württemberg Wildlife Portal provides information on measures against African Swine Fever.

The Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection can be contacted via their press office or citizen representative for further information. Dr. Julia Stubenbord, the State Animal Protection Officer of Baden-Württemberg, has confirmed the humane use of drinking traps under strict conditions.

In August, a wild boar found dead in Hemsbach in the Rhein-Neckar district tested positive for the ASF virus, highlighting the urgency of these measures. The outbreak in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate has not been contained yet, and Baden-Württemberg is taking every step to prevent its spread within the state.