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City sees its control strategy confirmed – focus on wildlife management
Just over a year after the first detection of African swine fever (ASF) in the Groß-Gerau district, the city of Darmstadt taken stock of the situation. 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 measures mandated throughout the EU . The city's veterinary department subsequently issued numerous general decrees , which were adjusted or revoked as the situation evolved. International experts from the EU Commission praised Hesse's strategy as exemplary .
"Crisis management relies on close cooperation between the city administration, hunters, agriculture, police and fire department. The situation is dynamic and requires constant adjustments," explained City Councillor Paul Georg Wandrey .
Since December 2024, hunting restrictions have been gradually eased, and since April 1, 2025, hunting has been intensified . Within a year, with the help of hunters, over 1,000 wild boar were recovered and sampled . This was supported by a bounty and a city-run recovery team that worked around the clock to carry out recoveries, sampling, fence repairs, and drone operations.
Fences, trapping facilities and protective corridor
Besides hunting , mobile trapping systems and permanent fences wild boar-free protection corridor ("white zone") between infected and disease-free areas is also planned . Within this zone, cyclists, horseback riders, and hikers may only use paved or marked paths.
Wildlife management in urban districts
Arheilgen and Kranichstein are particularly affected , with an increasing number of complaints about wild boars coming in. "Through targeted and active hunting, we are reducing the population to noticeably lessen the burden on residents," emphasized Wandrey and City Councillor Michael Kolmer . African swine fever control and wildlife management go hand in hand.
outlook
Wandrey stated that an end to the challenge is not currently in sight. "Combating African swine fever remains a shared responsibility. Regular exchange of experiences helps us to optimize processes and measures."
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/DK)
