Germany reports new African swine fever case
ASF found in wild boar in region of Saxony
12 February 2025
2 minute read
By: After almost half a year without a case of African swine fever, a wild boar found in the Saxon district of Bautzen tested positive for the virus, according to German swine industry group ISN. The reduced restriction zone planned for April is no longer feasible due to the latest case.
ISN said this is a bitter setback, especially for the pig farmers in the restricted areas. The new ASF case underlines that a new approach to the virus is needed - one that minimises economic damage.
In the Saxon district of Bautzen, a new case of African swine fever was confirmed in a wild boar. According to the district of Bautzen, a January in Königswartha, a healthy defector tested positive for ASP by the Saxony State Investigation Institute. The National Reference Laboratory has now confirmed this result. This officially determines the outbreak of the ASP in Königswartha, district of Commerau.
Transport restrictions for pig farmers
To assess the epidemic, wildlife searches are currently underway with the support of drones. Further measures will be agreed upon on the basis of the search results. Pig farmers in restricted zone 2 must report their stock to the veterinary office. Arrivals and departures of animals must be indicated. The transport of pigs within or from the district is only possible with an exemption from the Veterinary Office. This will only be granted if strict biosecurity measures are met.
