Switzerland takes precautions against African swine fever - ISN
ASF reported just 60 km from its border
1 May 2024
2 minute read
By: African swine fever (ASF) has moved from Italy to only 60 km to the Swiss border, according to a recent report from ISN, the special interest group for German pork producers. As a result, Switzerland is intensifying preparations for a possible ASF outbreak. In the event of an outbreak in the pig and wild boar population, three control measures have been planned, reports Agra Europe.\
ASF also poses an increasing risk for Switzerland. The northernmost ASF detection in Italy to date took place only about 60 km from the Swiss border. For this reason, the Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) and the cantonal veterinarians have now made preparations for a possible outbreak of the animal disease in their own country.
Catalogue of measures applies in the event of an event
According to the BLV, the ASF control strategy for wild boars basically includes three measures. It is planned to set up a retreat for wild boars so that they do not spread the disease further, the finding and eliminating of the wild boar carcasses so that the virus does not remain in the environment, and - if necessary - an intensive hunting of the wild boar population.
In addition, the cantons would have the possibility to restrict access to forest in endangered areas, the BLV explained. In addition, it could be forbidden to throw food leftovers into nature and to leave forest paths. A general hunting ban and a leash obligation for dogs are also conceivable. Furthermore, it is important to prevent the ASF from being transmitted via food residues with contaminated meat disposed of in nature through responsible waste management.
Protective fence can hardly be implemented
A protective fence on the Swiss-Italian border, as set up by the ASF-affected East German federal states to the border with Poland, is not planned. In view of the topography, this would also hardly be feasible.
