African swine fever

Threat to our pig herds

On 09.09.2020, the first case of African swine fever in Germany was reported in the district of Spree-Neisse. In the meantime, 6,576 positive wild boars (as of 16.08.2024, of which 2020: 403, 2021: 2720, 2022: 1600, 2023:827, 2024:966, 2025:1865) have been detected in Germany. On 09.08.2024, a positive wild boar was detected for the first time in Baden-Württemberg (Rhine-Neckar district).

There have been nineteen outbreaks in domestic herds so far (2021:4 2022:4 2023:1 and 2024:10), affecting the federal states of Baden-Württemberg (1), Brandenburg (5), Hesse (8), Mecklenburg (2), Lower Saxony (1) and Rhineland-Palatinate (1) (as of 16.08.2024). As there were no positive cases in wild boar in the federal states of Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, it can be assumed that this was caused by humans.

Daily updated figures can be accessed via the link www.tsis.fli.de

African swine fever (ASF) is a viral disease that occurs in pigs and wild boar and is usually fatal. There are currently no vaccines or cures for it. Humans are not susceptible to the animal disease.

The typical signs of African swine fever are similar to those of classical swine fever, which is why a laboratory diagnosis is usually required to differentiate between the two diseases. Symptoms include fever, unwillingness to eat, listlessness, abortions, internal bleeding and visible bloodshot areas on the ears and flanks. Sudden deaths can also occur. Aggressive virus strains are usually fatal (death within ten days). Animals infected with less virulent ASF strains sometimes show no typical clinical symptoms. The movement of infected animals, contaminated pig products and the illegal disposal of animal carcasses are the main ways in which the disease spreads.

Warning sign: "Animal Disease Hazard! Do not carelessly dispose of food and waste. Please use covered bins for disposal. Thank you for your understanding." A crossed-out image of an animal and a figure discarding waste into a bin are included for emphasis.

The Friedrich-Löffler-Institut usually publishes an updated map and case numbers on a weekly basis. As wild boars are relatively localized, the disease spreads slowly but steadily. In addition, the animal disease is also spread by humans, with jumps of several hundred kilometers having been observed in the past.

Control measures in the event of an outbreak of African swine fever

In order to ensure a uniform approach in Baden-Württemberg, the state has drawn up a repayment plan. The state provides information on planned measures on its website. There is also a nationwide animal disease control manual. These guidelines are continuously adapted to the latest experience in combating this animal disease. It is also necessary to adapt these measures to local conditions. In order to relieve the department in the event of an outbreak, civil protection structures (e.g. crisis management team) will be used if necessary. Due to the size of the planned restriction areas, several districts will always be affected simultaneously in the event of an outbreak.