City sees control strategy confirmed – wildlife management in focus
A little over a year after the first detection of African swine fever (ASF) in the Groß-Gerau district, the science city of Darmstadt taken stock. Since the discovery of an infected wild boar on June 15, 2024, numerous measures have been implemented to contain the spread of the animal disease.
Measures and experiences since the outbreak
Immediately after the first discovery, Darmstadt, together with the state of Hesse, initiated the EU-wide measures . The city's veterinary department subsequently issued numerous general orders , which were adapted or revoked as the situation arose. International experts from the EU Commission rated the Hesse strategy as exemplary .
"Crisis management relies on close cooperation between the city administration, hunters, agriculture, police, and fire departments. The situation is dynamic and requires constant adjustment," explained City Councilor Paul Georg Wandrey .
and increased hunting has been in effect since April 1, 2025. Within a year, with the help of the hunting community, over 1,000 wild boars were recovered and sampled . This was supported by a bounty for the animals and a city-owned recovery team that carried out recovery operations, samples, fence work, and drone operations around the clock.
Fences, traps and protection corridors
In addition to hunting, mobile trapping systems and permanent fences important components of the control effort. They serve both to reduce the population and to interrupt movement and infection routes. Furthermore, the establishment of a wild boar-free protection corridor ("white zone") between infected and disease-free areas . Within this zone, cyclists, horseback riders, and hikers are only permitted to use paved or marked paths.
Wildlife management in urban areas
Arheilgen and Kranichstein are particularly affected , with increasing complaints about wild boars coming in. "Through targeted and active hunting, we are reducing the population to significantly reduce the impact on residents," emphasized Wandrey and City Councilor Michael Kolmer . ASF control and wildlife management go hand in hand.
outlook
An end to the challenge is currently not in sight, says Wandrey. "Combating African swine fever remains a collective task. A regular exchange of experiences helps us optimize processes and measures."
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/DK)
