Germany: ASF outbreak confirmed in domestic pigs in Hessen

African swine fever has been confirmed on a pig farm in Hesse, Germany, following the detection of the virus in a blood sample from an ill pig. The farm, which has nine pigs, is located in an area where 15 cases of the virus have been found in wild boars. In response, authorities have set up containment zones around the farm, restricting trade and slaughter of pigs and related products. The outbreak marks the first detection of ASF in Hesse.

The African swine fever (ASF) virus was first detected on a domestic pig farm in Hesse. This is a small farm with nine pigs, located near Biebesheim am Rhein (Groß-Gerau district). During an inspection, a blood sample was collected from an animal that showed symptoms of the disease. Finally, the Hessen state laboratory confirmed the suspicion and the animals were slaughtered under veterinary control. A protection zone was established within a radius of three kilometers and a surveillance zone (ten kilometers) around the farm, in which severe restrictions will be applied to trade in pigs and derived products, as well as slaughter. The zone also extends into the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Around 3,500 pigs are kept in the area on the Hessen side. The first outbreak of ASF in Hesse ...