Pig farmers
Pig farmers
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 precaution.
ASF in North Rhine-Westphalia
ASF has already broken out in North Rhine-Westphalia and restricted zones have been established that extend to the neighbouring districts of Siegen-Wittgenstein and Hochsauerlandkreis. If further cases are found in wild boar, it is possible that restricted zones will also have to be established on Hessian territory - and thus possibly in the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg.
Strict movement restrictions in restricted zones
In such restricted zones, strict movement restrictions apply to domestic pigs, among other things. Movement - for example for slaughter - is then only possible with the authorisation of the competent veterinary office. In addition, affected farms must fulfil certain requirements in order to be allowed to move pigs:
Implementation of measures to protect against biological hazards (biosafety)
- Preparation of a biosecurity action plan (plan for protection against biological hazards)
- Mandatory for all pig farms, regardless of farm size
- Approval of this plan by the veterinary office
Regular official veterinary farm visits with clinical examination
- At least twice a year
- In restricted zones I and II: at intervals of at least four months
- In restricted zone III: at least every three months
Permanent monitoring programme for the detection of the ASF pathogen
- As a rule: PCR analysis of blood samples from the first two pigs to die each week
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.