“White Zone” aims to reduce wild boar population – public asked for help
Hesse has been battling African swine fever (ASF) for over a year. The Bergstraße district is particularly affected, recording more than 2,050 dead wild boars to date, of which over 1,110 have tested positive for the virus—the highest number among Hesse's districts.
"This feat was only possible through the close cooperation of many involved," emphasized District Councilor Matthias Schimpf. He particularly highlighted the commitment of volunteer hunters and the support of cities and municipalities in carcass recovery and fence inspections.
In 2024, the outbreak was concentrated primarily in the Ried region and areas west of the B3. At the beginning of 2025, ASF also reached regions east of the federal highway, including Heppenheim, the Lautertal valley up to Lindenfels, as well as Fürth and Rimbach. Only a single case was detected east of the B38 in the Vöckelsbach (Mörlenbach) area.
New strategy: Establishment of the “White Zone”
With the start of the new phase, the targeted reduction of the wild boar population is the priority. A so-called "White Zone" has been established along the B38 from Birkenau to the Gumpener Kreuz (Gumpen Cross). Solid game fences, divided into fully enclosed "tiles," are intended to reduce the presence of wild boar in this area to zero. This will prevent infected wild boar from entering ASF-free regions or leaving the zone.
Appeal to the population
To ensure effective hunting in the "White Zone," fences must remain tight. The district therefore requests that gates always be closed after passing through, any damage reported immediately, paths not left, and dogs not allowed to stray. "Only with combined efforts can the spread of African swine fever be further contained," said Schimpf.
(RED/PSB)
Further information on African swine fever is available online at www.kreis-bergstrasse.de .
