ASF Germany: Wild boar victims top 1,000 cases

Apr 27, 2021

The number of wild boar that have fallen victim to African Swine Fever virus (ASFv) in Germany has exceeded 1,000. In an update from the German authorities the count is now at 1,016.

The first outbreak of the virus in wild boar took place in September 2020 in Spree-Neisse district, which is directly adjacent to the Polish border. Ever since it has spread to 4 zones in 6 districts, located in 2 states, Brandenburg and Saxony. Table 1 shows where all the cases are have been found so far.

Fighting ASF outbreaks with fences
Germany has been trying to fight the outbreaks by creating permanent fences along the border rivers Oder and Neisse, which separates Germany from Poland. In addition, around the infected zones, Germany is creating so-called white zones in which all wild boar will be shot. That way the virus cannot escape.

Last week, Germany was promised € 9 million by the European Union. This money will for instance be used in Brandenburg and Saxony states to cover the costs of construction of the permanent fences.

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Video: Genomic Technologies and Public Trust - Dr. Ellen Goddard

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ellen Goddard, Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta, discusses public acceptance of genomic technologies in pork production. She explains why disease resistance is viewed positively, how labeling affects trust, why farmers remain highly credible messengers, and how communication can shape consumer confidence around gene editing. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Not providing information is a choice that can affect long-term public trust."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ellen Goddard / ellen-goddard-11541138 is Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta and an agricultural economist. Her work focuses on consumer behavior, trust, livestock sectors, and public attitudes toward food technologies. She also specializes in economic modeling for pork, beef, and dairy systems. Learn more from Dr. Ellen Goddard on the Swine in Canada Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.