September 24, 2020

Nine additional African swine fever cases confirmed in Germany

Germany's Federal Agriculture Ministry said an additional nine African swine fever (ASF) cases have been confirmed among wild boar in Brandenburg state, east Germany, Reuters reported.

This brings the total confirmed ASF cases in the country to 29, all focused in Brandenburg state. No farm animals have been infected.

The ministry said the latest confirmation was reported by the Friedrich-Loeffler scientific institute.

Julia Kloeckner, German Federal Agriculture Minister, said The Brandenburg regional government announced that they will construct a fixed fence to prevent the entry of wild boar from neighbouring Poland.

Kloeckner said a permanent fence could stop the spread of ASF but there will be unfenced areas along towns and roads.

All dead wild boar in Brandenburg are being tested for ASF.

China, Japan and South Korea have banned pork imports from Germany following the ASF reports.

-      Reuters