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African Swine Fever Spreads in German Forests, Threatening Humans and Wildlife

ASF threatens both humans and wildlife in German forests. Strict measures and proper waste disposal are crucial to contain the outbreak.

This is a black and white picture, there is a lion walking on the grassland.
This is a black and white picture, there is a lion walking on the grassland.

African Swine Fever Spreads in German Forests, Threatening Humans and Wildlife

An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) is spreading in German forests, posing risks to both humans and wildlife. Authorities are employing search teams with dogs and drones to locate infected wild boars and limit the disease's spread. Strict measures, including restricted zones and fines, are in place to contain the outbreak.

The ministry of agriculture has implemented a 143,000-hectare core area, secured by 114 kilometers of protective fences. Within this zone, forest visitors must stick to paths and refrain from mushroom picking. Violations incur fines ranging from 30 to 25,000 euros.

To prevent infection, the ministry urges proper waste disposal in closed containers, as carelessly discarded food remains, especially meat products, can spread the disease. Humans are not directly affected, but strict measures are necessary to contain the spread and protect domestic pigs. Dogs should be kept on a leash to prevent them from coming into contact with infected wild boars.

The search for infected wild boars continues in affected regions, with dogs and drones aiding the effort. While the specific breeds of dogs used are not specified, their role is crucial in limiting the disease's spread. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to waste disposal guidelines and following the rules within restricted zones to help contain the ASF outbreak.

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