Danger AVP not averted in Germany

The danger of African swine fever (ASF) in Germany is far from over. The pig sector remains free of the virus to date, but the number of infections among wild boars is increasing. The first infection outside the state of Brandenburg has now been confirmed.

In this first week of November, the counter in Germany stands at 117 infections. These cases have all been confirmed by the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI). Until recently, all infections came from the state of Brandenburg, but this weekend the first case of infection outside the state was confirmed.

Presumably from Poland
It concerns a wild boar that was shot on October 27 in the municipality of Krauschwitz in the state of Saxony. The find is more than 100 kilometers south of the first infections. The animal showed no symptoms but was routinely tested with a positive result.

There are suspicions that the wild boar comes from Poland and entered Germany via the border river. At the Polish border, cases of infection were also confirmed around the same area in January and March.

Great threat
Now that the first infection outside the state of Brandenburg has been confirmed, concerns are increasing in Germany. The authorities in Saxony are taking all necessary measures to prevent the disease from spreading further. New core zones and protection areas are also being established. The threat to the pig sector is considerable with this further spread. More than 3.000 pig farmers and approximately 670.000 pigs are located in the state. This is an extra blow for pig farmers in difficult times when sales are difficult.

export ban
Since AVP entered Germany, the country has been restricted in international pork exports. Several countries, including major importer China, have stopped importing German pork. Germany has attempted to resume exports through a regionalization agreement, but this attempt has so far been unsuccessful. As the deadly virus continues to spread through Germany, the chances of a regionalization agreement are further diminishing.

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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