Hunting

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.

Hunting wild boar helps to reduce the ASF viral load in the environment and slow down the spread of the virus. By reducing the wild boar population, chains of infection can be cut off and the disease contained.

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.

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.

Outside the restricted zones, the state of Hesse pays an expense allowance of 50 euros for the sampling of indicator animals.

Within the exclusion zones, a premium of up to 200 euros is paid to the person authorised to hunt if wild boar are discarded.

The litter premium can be applied for at the Food Monitoring, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service.

In the event of an outbreak of ASF in wild boar, findings of dead wild boar in restriction zones must be reported immediately to the veterinary authority, stating the coordinates of the location and contact details. If possible, the location of the find should be marked and cordoned off (e.g. with tape). As epidemic hygiene regulations must be observed when recovering wild boar carcasses, only trained personnel should recover them. Contact with the carcass must be avoided. If contact does occur, everything that has come into contact with the carcass should be washed at 60° C and, if necessary, disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease.

Indicator animals are wild boar found dead (fallen game), accidental game and seriously ill game in accordance with Section 22a of the Federal Hunting Act (game affected by a disease or also culling game).

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.

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.

There is a collection point in Hatzfeld where carcasses can be delivered by hunters and recovery teams.

The game collection centre is located in Hatzfeld at the old forestry office.

Restricted zone I:
It is possible to utilise the shot wild boar in your own household. The marketing channels remain unchanged after the negative ASF test result is available. Details of the options can be found in the following diagram:

Restricted zone II:
Use in your own household or commercialisation is currently not possible.

In restricted zone I, the marketing channels remain unchanged in the event of a negative ASF result. Details on the marketing options can be found in the following diagram:

If wild boar are moved from free areas into the restricted zones, the requirements for the respective restricted zone apply. In restricted zone I, the marketing channels remain unchanged in the event of a negative ASF result. Details on the marketing options can be found in the following diagram: