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Disease control measures are proving effective against African swine fever
For more than seven months, no further cases of African swine fever (ASF) have been detected in dead wild boar in the Groß-Gerau district. Even before this, the number of cases had been declining significantly. The district considers this development an important success of the coordinated disease control efforts.
First County Councillor Adil Oyan speaks of an encouraging signal and highlights the close cooperation of numerous participants.
Extensive network of emergency services
Those involved in the effort to combat the disease include hunters, HessenForst (the Hessian state forestry agency), trainers and examiners of cadaver detection dogs, search teams with drones and sniffer dogs, municipal recovery teams, operators of carcass collection points, fence maintenance companies, disaster relief agencies, fire departments, and other emergency services. Support is also being provided by the Darmstadt Regional Council, the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment, and the district administration.
Two training courses for cadaver dog teams have been completed in the district. Drone survey areas are conducted every four weeks, while sniffer dogs are deployed weekly and as needed. According to the district, the area outside of populated areas has been almost completely searched.
Role of hunters and fencing measures
Intensive hunting remains a key factor. The wild boar population has been significantly reduced. Furthermore, hunters provide important information about wildlife movements and support population control by not processing hunted wild boar.
The protective measures along the fence lines have also been continuously adjusted. The district urges residents to keep any installed gates closed. Fence damage can be reported via the district's website:
African swine fever
Perspective: Abolition of the core area examined
In light of the current situation, a large-scale lifting of the core area restrictions is being considered. Preparations are also underway for a possible downgrade to restricted zone I, provided no further positive ASF cases occur by autumn.
The district emphasizes that African swine fever continues to require the utmost attention. The goal remains to permanently eradicate the animal disease from the district.
(District of Gross-Gerau – PSKGG)
