Badge of honor for blood donors and alarm about African swine fever!

Badge of honor for blood donors and alarm about African swine fever!

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Schleswig-Holstein has several exciting news to offer. Health Minister Kerstin von der Decken (CDU) will present the badge of honor to twelve committed blood donors in Kiel. These loyal donors have all donated blood more than 100 times, which is not only an impressive achievement, but also an important contribution to replenishing blood reserves before the upcoming summer holidays. The DRK Blood Donation Service North-East emphasizes the urgency that the population should become more active to ensure the blood supply, especially at this time when many people are traveling.

But that's not the only news making the rounds. There was a devastating fire in Ellerhoop that made a single-family home in the Pinneberg district uninhabitable. The fire broke out in a utility room around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday night. Fortunately, the four family members were able to get to safety unharmed. The fire department and around 40 firefighters worked for over two hours to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings.

Small plane crash in Segeberg State Forest

Also on Monday evening, a tragic accident occurred in the Segeberg state forest, where a small plane crashed. The plane had previously been reported missing and with the help of rescue workers the wreckage was found around midnight. There was a dead man in the plane, whose identity is not yet known. The exact circumstances of the crash are also still unclear, which is why the Federal Office for Aircraft Accident Investigation has now taken over the investigation.

Golden jackal on Sylt and African swine fever

In the animal world, a golden jackal on Sylt is causing a stir. After being blamed for killing several sheep, he has not been seen since May 22nd. It remains unclear whether the animal has left the island or whether it continues to roam the region.

A serious issue, however, is African swine fever (ASF), which has now been detected in six federal states. Schleswig-Holstein emphasizes the importance of the existing security measures. Agriculture State Secretary Anne Benett-Sturies is calling for greater hunting of wild boar as this is a key aspect in the fight against the spread of ASF. ASF is a highly contagious animal disease that affects both wild and domestic pigs and has devastating economic consequences for farmers. The symptoms are cruel, and the death rate for sick animals is almost 90%. There is no effective vaccine against ASF, so preventive measures such as creating protective zones and adhering to strict hygiene rules are essential.

It is important for farmers to ensure biosecurity and keep a close eye on livestock. Ultimately, the issue affects everyone, as the effects of ASF can have an impact on the pig market and meat availability. The public is urged to pay greater attention to the origin of meat products and to report any suspected cases immediately to prevent the spread of this disease.

In conclusion, it remains to be said that both exciting and serious topics move people's minds in Schleswig-Holstein. The coming weeks are likely to be exciting, both for committed blood donors and for animal owners in the region.