Denmark is building a “wild boar fence” designed to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever to its 5,000 hog farms, according to the country’s Ministry of Environment and Food website.
The barrier will be 70 kms (more than 43 miles) long and 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) high and extend 50 cm (almost 20 inches) underground to prevent the animals from tunneling their way under the fence. Construction is expected to be done in this calendar year.
The barrier will include a 20x20 cm opening (about 8 inches square) every 100 meters to allow smaller animals to pass through, the agency said.
Other efforts to combat the spread of ASF to its country include expanding authorized hunting of wild boars and erecting signs at rest areas along highways reminding travelers of the dangers of leaving food waste behind, which feeds the boars. These efforts are expecting to cost the government DKK 123.9 million (US$18.9 million), with DKK 30 million (US$4.6 million) provided by the industry as co-financing.
ASF has been an issue in Poland for at least five years. In September, the disease was confirmed in wild boars in Belgium, an apparent leap of several hundred miles.
The U.K.-based industry website GlobalMeatNews.com has reported that the Russian veterinary agency projects ASF will be found in France and Germany in 2019.
Source : Meatingplace