African swine plague: remaining blocking zones, danger to the animals!

African swine plague: remaining blocking zones, danger to the animals!

Ludwigshafen, Deutschland - in Rhineland-Palatinate, the situation around the African swine plague (ASP) remains tense. Despite intensive measures, the restricted zones and fences are still active, since the disease still represents a threat to the pork ratings. While the ASP is harmless to humans, it almost always means death for pigs. Extension could have massive economic consequences for agriculture, which is why the authorities remain vigilant. As the Tagesschau , intensive information and surveillance measures of the Federal Ministry lead to nutrition and Agriculture (BMEL) for strict control.

The African swine plague, which originally comes from Africa and has had its first outbursts in Georgia since 2007, has spread significantly in Europe in recent years. The usual suspects among the risk factors are the high wild boar density and inadequate organic security in countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland. Current events in these neighboring countries increase the risk of introducing Germany, which also calls on the investigators in Rhineland-Palatinate. The Friedrich- Loeffler-Institut has therefore emphasized the importance of early detection in order to quickly insulate such outbursts.

measures and effects of ASP

In order to contain the spread of the ASP, comprehensive restricted areas were built in the affected area. These not only contain physical barriers in the form of fences, but also strict exhaustion restrictions for living pigs and their products. The last major distribution was in the Brandenburg region, where some outbreaks were documented in 2024. But there were already entries in Rhineland-Palatinate; Among other things, a case became known in August 2024 that triggered enormous concern. The affected regions are under constant observation due to the risk of infection, as well as BMEL explained.

The training of specialist staff, information to farmers and working with adjacent countries are further important measures in the fight against the ASP. Feedback from neighboring countries and coordination in combating animal diseases are of great importance to minimize the impending risks for domestic agriculture.

stability despite challenges

At first glance, the situation may seem worrying, but with the intensive cooperation between the federal, state and the affected animal owners, progress is also evident. The excellent transport infrastructure offers Germany's risks, but also ensures quick action and reactions from specialists who are involved in combating the disease.

Despite the stressful circumstances, there is also positive news: shipping traffic on the Moselle was resumed after the test run, which opens up new economic perspectives for the neighboring communities. For example, a press conference for the ASP is also carried out in Ingelheim in order to promote the exchange between the affected stakeholders. This shows that the efforts to cope with the African swine fever are tackled with a good hand.