Swine fever: district works on protection zone
Following another positive case of African swine fever near Bad Berleburg in the North Rhine-Westphalian district of Siegen-Wittgenstein, which is in the immediate vicinity of the state and district border, the district is currently preparing a general ruling to establish a restricted zone to protect the animals in Waldeck-Frankenberg.
Recognising chains of infection, protecting animals
The aim is to recognise chains of infection at an early stage and protect pig farms in the best possible way. This is because the highly contagious animal disease has been spreading from North Rhine-Westphalia towards Hesse since June 2025. Numerous ASF-positive wild boars have already been found in the immediate vicinity of the Hessian state border.
Protection zone being developed
Due to the latest discovery, a general ruling will soon be issued in Waldeck-Frankenberg to establish a restricted zone. The restricted zone is currently being drawn up and has not yet been finalised. However, areas in the municipalities of Allendorf (Eder) and the towns of Hatzfeld and Battenberg (Eder) are likely to be affected. However, the exact areas will still be designated and - as soon as the general ruling is issued - will also be provided with corresponding maps. This is expected to be the case at the beginning of next week.
Stricter regulations for hunting and pig farming
Special regulations will then also apply within the restricted zone with regard to hunting and sampling pigs, as well as for pig farms - from stricter hygiene measures and modified husbandry regulations to stricter reporting requirements. The district is already asking for special attention and caution here. Only by acting together and responsibly can the spread of African swine fever be prevented.
Protective fence erected, culverts provisionally closed for the time being
The erected wild boar-proof protective fence along the federal roads 236 and 253 and the state road 3382 from Bromskirchen towards Battenberg and on to Sackpfeife should also contribute to this. Although this has been completed, some gates and cattle grids are still missing at some passages and paths. These are now being provisionally closed for the time being - with wooden grids, among other things.
In this context, we would like to emphasise once again that these temporary closures are only temporary and will gradually be replaced by more convenient gates and cattle grids, which cannot yet be installed due to supply difficulties. Due to the spread of the animal epidemic, however, urgency is required, which is why the temporary solutions are being used for the time being. The district once again points out that all gates, fences and culverts on the fence must now be kept closed and asks residents for their co-operation and understanding for any restrictions.
Background
African swine fever is almost always fatal for domestic and wild pigs. The virus is harmless to humans. Nevertheless, an outbreak can cause considerable economic damage - especially for farms and the regional meat industry. Further information and frequently asked questions and answers on the topic can be found here.