September 19, 2024

France increases ASF surveillance amid spread in Germany

France's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty has raised African swine fever (ASF) surveillance to level 2B in the Bas-Rhin and Moselle departments, in response to the recent spread of ASF in wild boars in Germany, National Hog Farmer reported.

This decision is part of an effort to mobilise more resources and increase the reporting, collection, and analysis of wild boar carcasses.

Since January 2022, a similar surveillance approach has been in place in three departments of the PACA region, which borders northern Italy. The aim of this enhanced surveillance is to ensure the earliest possible detection of ASF in wildlife, prevent its spread, and avoid transmission to domestic pigs.

The ministry is coordinating closely with hunters' representatives to improve the regulation of wild boar populations, particularly in areas bordering Germany, like the measures in the PACA region.

In anticipation of ASF's potential introduction into France, the ministry launched a broad communication campaign in July 2023, which will continue through the end of November. This campaign targets road haulers, international travellers, hikers, hunters, and seasonal workers, raising awareness of the risks of introducing ASF into France via contaminated food discarded in the wild, which could be consumed by wild boars.

In addition to this communication effort, the ministry's services remain vigilant through regular training and crisis management simulation exercises. From 2022 to 2023, over 300 scenarios were conducted by the Departmental Directorates for the Protection of Populations to improve preparedness.

The ministry is also exploring the possibility of installing fences to block or contain the spread of ASF. It emphasises that strict adherence to biosecurity rules remains the most effective means of protecting livestock farming from the risks of ASF transmission. Professionals are urged to comply with regulatory biosecurity requirements to minimize the chances of contact between wild boars and domestic swine, as well as the introduction of the virus through contaminated materials or equipment.

-      National Hog Farmer