Agriculture and pig farming

Agriculture & pig farming

Pig farmers should prepare for ASF by taking appropriate precautions to prevent the virus from entering their herds. It is important that all animals - including hobby farms - are registered as such with the district authorities. In addition, appropriate biosecurity measures should be implemented as a precautionary measure.

Pig farmers are therefore strongly advised to prepare now and draw up a biosecurity action plan for their farm - and submit it to the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg. A helpful template from the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture can be found here. Pig farmers should seek advice from their farm veterinary practice, the pig health service of the Hessian State Laboratory or the Hessian State Agricultural Organisation.


FAQs - Frequently asked questions for agriculture & pig farming:

The most important questions and answers relating to ASF for pig farmers and farmers are summarised here:

Agriculture

Pig farming

  • What preventive measures are in place to prevent the introduction of ASF?

    The only protection for domestic pig herds is consistent compliance with biosecurity on farms. The primary aim is to prevent contact between domestic pigs and wild boar. The farmer must seal off his herd in such a way that any contact with wild boar is made impossible.

    The feeding of food waste is prohibited! The legal basis for this is the Pig Husbandry Hygiene Ordinance (SchHaltHygV). This contains the biosecurity measures to be complied with even in epidemic-free periods for all farms that keep pigs for fattening or breeding purposes. In order to protect pig herds, hobby or small-scale farmers are also required to implement the necessary measures in accordance with the Pig Husbandry Hygiene Ordinance. This is because, on the one hand, the disease is usually fatal and, on the other hand, hobby pigs are also affected by the measures in accordance with the relevant EU regulations (in the worst case, the animals are killed). The hygiene and biosecurity measures include

    • Lock the barn! Prevent wild boars from coming into contact with domestic pigs.
    • Store bedding and feed in a way that is safe for wild boar.
    • Do not feed kitchen and food waste with animal parts.
    • Do not feed green fodder - it could be contaminated by wild boar.
    • The barn should only be entered by the owner and a person authorised to care for the animal and unavoidable persons (e.g. vet).
    • Change shoes when entering and leaving the stable. A complete change of clothes is best.
    • Control rodents and pests.
    • Regular cleaning and disinfection of the barn, equipment and vehicles.
    • In the event of symptoms such as unwillingness to eat, high fever or sudden deaths in the pig herd, call the vet directly.
    • Always dispose of dead animals via the rendering plant and store them out of reach until collection.

    The BMEL brochure "Protection against animal diseases - what farmers can do" with information on implementing the measures of the SchHaltHygV and the risk traffic light of the University of Vechta can be used to check your own herd.

  • What do pig farmers in restricted zone I have to consider?

    Information will be added.

  • What do pig farmers in restricted zone I have to consider?

    Information will be added.

  • Can I give pigs from the restricted zones for slaughter?

    Information will be added.

  • What should a pig farmer do if he suspects a case of African swine fever?

    Pig farmers should immediately contact the county's food control, animal welfare and veterinary service, take quarantine measures and not transport pigs, products or materials from the farm or transport or sell materials from the farm until an official diagnosis has been confirmed.

  • How does the disease control work in the event of an outbreak?

    In the event of an outbreak, environmental zones are established around the affected farm, strict biosecurity measures are enforced, infected and potentially infected animals are culled and the affected areas are disinfected to prevent further spread.

  • What financial aid is available for the affected pig farmers?

    In the event of an outbreak of ASF in domestic pigs, affected farms receive half of the compensation payments from the animal disease fund and half from the state of Hesse. The amount of compensation is based on the fair market value of the animals to be killed and those that have died; the corresponding maximum rates are set by law. In addition, in certain cases, subsidies for cleaning and disinfection are granted as voluntary benefits by the Animal Disease Fund.

  • When are pig farmers entitled to compensation?

    The principles of compensation are regulated in the Animal Health Act. Among other things, farmers whose animals were killed by order of the authorities or died after being ordered to be killed can apply for compensation. In addition, pursuant to Section 6 of the Animal Health Act

    • the owner or holder of a property that is affected by barrier measures,
    • the owner or holder of agricultural or forestry land,
      • whose use has been prohibited or restricted,
      • who has been obliged to create hunting lanes,

    demand compensation in accordance with the respective state regulations on the utilisation as a non-disturber (farmer without a pig farm or a field without a direct connection to a pig farm). In Hesse, compensation is based on the Hessian Law on Public Safety and Order (HSOG). Accordingly, compensation is generally only granted for financial loss.