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"White Zone" aims to specifically reduce the 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, having recorded more than 2,050 dead wild boars so far, of which over 1,110 tested positive for the virus – the highest number among Hesse's districts.
“This Herculean effort was only possible through the close cooperation of many involved parties,” emphasized County Councilor Matthias Schimpf. He particularly highlighted the commitment of the volunteer hunters and the support provided by the towns and municipalities in carcass removal and fence inspections.
In 2024, the outbreak was primarily concentrated in the Ried region and areas west of the B3 highway. At the beginning of 2025, African swine fever (ASF) also reached regions east of the highway, including Heppenheim, the Lauter Valley as far as Lindenfels, as well as Fürth and Rimbach. Only a single case was detected east of the B38 highway in the Vöckelsbach area (Mörlenbach).
New strategy: Establishment of the “White Zone”
With the start of the new phase, the targeted reduction of the wild boar population is the primary focus. A so-called "white zone" has been established along the B38 highway from Birkenau to the Gumpener Kreuz intersection. Permanent wildlife fences, divided into fully enclosed "sections," are intended to reduce the presence of wild boar in this area to zero. This will prevent infected wild boar from entering or leaving the zone, thus preventing them from entering ASF-free regions.
Appeal to the population
To ensure effective hunting in the "white zone," the fences must remain closed. The district therefore requests that gates always be closed after passing through, any damage reported immediately, that people stay on the paths, and that dogs be kept on a leash. "Only with a concerted effort can the spread of African swine fever be further contained," said Schimpf.
(RED/PSB)
Further information on African swine fever can be found online at www.kreis-bergstrasse.de .
