France is continuing to work hard on the buffer zone to keep African swine fever at bay. The country hopes to complete the fence, which should protect France against the animal disease, by the end of March. This is reported by the French Ministry of Agriculture.
The fence stands on the border between France and Belgium and has a total length of 112 kilometers, of which about 73 kilometers have been completed to date. The construction will cost €5,3 million, which will be paid by the French Ministry of Agriculture.
Shooting wild boars
In addition, the shooting of wild boars continues steadily; so far 230 animals have been shot. The aim is to completely clear the area of approximately 80 square kilometers from wild boars, so that the risk of spreading can be kept small.
Since Monday, February 18, random tests have been carried out on 20% of the animals shot, these tests have so far been negative. All dead wild boars found are also tested. Of the 48 dead animals that have been found since September 13, the virus has not been found in 1 animal.
Belgium
In neighboring Belgium, however, the situation is different, because animals are regularly tested positive there. The French ministry reports that, in view of the developments in Belgium, it does not rule out extending the fence on the border.
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