The Swedish Agricultural Agency Establishes Infection Zone to Prevent Spread of African Swine Fever
October 10, Västmanland – The Swedish Agricultural Agency has taken a proactive step in combatting the spread of African swine fever by establishing an infection zone of 1,000 square meters in Västmanland. This decision comes after the recent discovery of the disease in wild boars in Fagersta, marking the first cases of African swine fever in Sweden.
As a result of this development, a series of restrictions have been put in place in the infection zone. Game hunting, forestry activities, and all forms of mushroom and berry picking are now strictly prohibited. The agency’s intention is to limit movement and prevent further transmission of the virus.
However, some individuals have sought dispensation to circumvent these restrictions. One such individual is hunter Christer Borg, who applied for a dispensation in order to assist landowner Conny Johansson in dealing with beavers. The beavers have caused significant damage by constructing a dam in a pond in Fagersta, leading to flooding and hindering agricultural activities.
“I have to get rid of the beavers and the dam, otherwise they will kill the forest too,” says Johansson, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Borg’s application for dispensation was denied by the Swedish Agricultural Agency on the grounds that the risk of infection spread was too great. The agency believes that the protective hunting of beavers is not proportionate to the overall public interest in limiting the spread of the disease.
Borg expresses confusion over the decision, stating, “We are allowed to kill infected pigs to avoid suffering, but I am not allowed to carry out protective hunting of beavers that devastate forests and land. It’s very strange.”
The duration of the restrictions in the infection zone is currently uncertain. The Swedish Agricultural Agency continues to monitor the situation and evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in containing the spread of African swine fever.
African swine fever is a contagious and fatal viral disease that affects wild boars and domestic pigs. Although not contagious to humans, the virus can survive for several years in chilled or frozen meat. Europe has seen an increase in cases among wild boars in countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, and Belgium.
The Swedish Agency for Agriculture and SVA (Swedish National Veterinary Institute) have been working together to address this outbreak and protect domestic pig populations. All domestic pigs in the infected area must be euthanized to prevent further spread of the disease.
As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for individuals to adhere to the restrictions in the infection zone to limit the transmission of African swine fever and protect Sweden’s pig population.