Strategy for Managing African Swine Fever Outbreaks

In the face of the spreading African Swine Fever (ASF) in Baden-Württemberg, authorities have taken decisive action to contain the disease. Dr. Julia Stubenbord, the State Animal Welfare Officer, emphasizes that traps are only maintained under strict conditions and by trained staff, ensuring no compromise to animal welfare.

The primary goal is to contain the ASF to the smallest possible area. To achieve this, the baited trap operations in Baden-Württemberg are centrally coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the African swine fever competence team at the Wild Research Institute in Aulendorf. This collaboration also includes local veterinary offices, affected forest districts, and hunting rights holders.

The use of baited traps requires intensive training and experience, and will be carried out by specially trained personnel. These traps, proven to be a measure for disease control, allow entire groups to be removed at once without disturbing the animals. Baited traps have been used in the Rhein-Neckar district and Mannheim since August 2024, with plans to significantly reduce the wild boar population in quarantine zone II.

The Aulendorf Wildlife Research Center has extensively researched the use of traps and coordinated with the State Animal Welfare Officer for humane dispatch. In addition, a "Black Game Capture Guide" has been developed for practical use, differentiating the use of traps and demonstrating their potential for disease control.

The African Swine Fever virus was introduced to Georgia in 2007 and has since spread across Europe, with Baden-Württemberg now also affected by the disease. To combat ASF, drinking troughs have been implemented as a proven measure to reduce wild boar density and ASF risk in quarantine zones, according to EU regulations. Approximately 40 kilometers of electric fence and 11 kilometers of fixed fence have been installed in Baden-Württemberg to contain the disease.

Initially, a strict hunting ban was in place for quarantine zone II to prevent the dispersal of infected wild boars. However, relaxations for hunting were decided in early December, allowing the hunting of large game (except wild boar) under certain conditions. In Zone I, movement and harvesting hunts are possible under certain conditions.

The removal of wild boars is carried out by trained teams, and the removal of wild boar carcasses is handled by trained representatives of the local veterinary offices. Search dog and drone teams from the TCRH are supporting local forces in searching for infected wild boar carcasses.

The state, in collaboration with the State Hunting Association, offers training for hunters to effectively hunt and assist in disease control. Stalking hunting is another method that the hunting community should involve in disease control.

For further information on measures against African Swine Fever, the Ministry of Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection can be contacted via their press office or citizen's representative. The public is encouraged to stay informed and follow the guidelines provided by the authorities to help control the spread of the disease.