July 15, 2020

Germany lengthens fencing at border to Poland to keep out African swine fever

German authorities said they will extend the fencing at the Germany-Poland border to prevent wild boars from entering Germany and spreading African swine fever (ASF), Reuters reported.

The current 240 km border barrier will add an additional 62 km fence, after a wild boar in Poland was detected to have ASF only 15 km away from the border to Germany. 

Till Backhaus, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state Agriculture Minister said they are preparing for months to avoid the worst case scenario. He said after consultation with Poland, the fence extension will be constructed 5 m away from the actual frontier, inside Germany.

ASF cases have been reported in 10 other countries in Europe among wild boars, believed to be the cause of ASF spreading in the region.

-      Reuters