Hunting
Hunting
Hunting plays a major role in combating ASF - both in terms of early detection and containment. The expertise of those authorised to hunt is therefore particularly important in preventing the spread of the animal disease. As part of disease prevention, the district asks all authorised hunters to keep an eye out for so-called indicator pigs. These are wild boars that have been found dead, are sick or have been involved in accidents. Symptoms of ASF in animals that are still alive include fever, weakness, reluctance to eat, movement disorders and breathing problems, diarrhoea, bleeding from the nose, anus and/or skin bleeding and discolouration as well as abortions. In some cases, the animals show a reduced willingness to flee. If an indicator pig is found or shot, it should be sampled. Swab samples and accompanying documents are available from the district. In addition, the carcass should be secured with a tarpaulin until the results of the examination are available. If the result is negative, the tarpaulin can be recovered and the wild boar can be dealt with as usual.
FAQs - Frequently asked questions for authorised hunters:
The most important questions and answers in connection with ASF for authorised hunters are compiled here:
How can hunters help to contain ASF?
In order to minimise the damage in the event of an outbreak, it is important to detect the disease as soon as possible after its introduction. To this end, wild boars found dead must be analysed as quickly as possible in the Hessian State Laboratory. Hunters make an important contribution by taking samples from so-called indicator wild boar and handing them in to the competent veterinary authority. Indicator pigs are wild boar found dead (fallen game), accidental game and seriously ill game.
The state of Hesse pays an expense allowance of 50 euros for the sampling. In addition, the samples can be sent directly to the Hessian State Laboratory with pre-addressed envelopes free of charge for the sender. It is essential that the exact location of the dead wild boar from which the sample was taken is stated when analysing the sample.
What are the benefits of hunting wild boar in containing ASF?
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How can the wild boar population be reduced quickly and efficiently?
In addition to the usual single hide hunt, other hunting measures such as the use of traps can be utilised. In certain areas, the Hessian ASP Hunting Ordinance (HASPJV) has granted exceptions to certain prohibitions under hunting law, which are intended to enable the population to be reduced as quickly as possible. Among other things, normally prohibited aids, such as night scopes, may be used.
How is the search for dead wild boar carried out?
The type and scope of an effective wild boar search that causes as little disturbance to the wild boar as possible is determined on a case-by-case basis based on local conditions, among other things. Various options are available, such as targeted searches at known wild boar retreats, large-scale searches and the use of drones, helicopters with thermal imaging technology or specially trained cadaver search dogs. Local hunters' knowledge of the wild boar's habitats is also essential.
What incentives are there for hunters to hunt and search for dead fallen game?
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Where can I apply for the discard premium?
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What do hunters have to consider if a carcass is found in restricted zones I and II?
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What is an indicator boar?
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Is it still permitted to use feeding areas?
The operation of feeding stations in the restriction zones can also be exempted from the hunting ban, subject to further determination by the veterinary authority. This requires an informal application to be submitted to the veterinary office. Alternatively, the form below can be used. This must contain the geodata of the Kirrung. As only existing feeding areas are to continue to be operated at the present time, this data will be compared with the feeding areas reported to the UJB. In addition, the suitability of the feeding area is checked in consultation with the district hunting consultant. The applicant will be informed by the veterinary office about the decision on their application. A prerequisite for the continued operation of a feeding station is in any case monitoring by means of a wildlife camera in order to obtain information about the number and condition of the visiting wild boar. These parameters must be documented accordingly and presented to the authorities on request. If any anomalies are detected, they must be reported to the veterinary office immediately.
Can searches still be carried out?
A professional execution of the search is suitable for limiting animal suffering without conflicting with the requirements of combating ASF. Accordingly, tracking by hunters is not only legitimised by the current general ruling on combating African swine fever in wild boar in Restricted Zone II to the extent described therein, but is also expressly welcomed by the authorities. The wound track in the restriction zone should always be left on a long strap. Should it become necessary to buckle the dog in the further course, this can be done taking into account good professional practice as well as pastoral justice.
Where is the carcass collection point located?
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Where is the game collection point located?
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Can I utilise my wild boar in my own household?
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Am I allowed to market my wild boar?
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Am I allowed to bring wild boar shot in open areas into the restricted zones?
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