Veterinarians from veterinary offices in Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt have trained in a joint exercise on what to do in the event of an outbreak of African swine fever. The aim was to prevent the disease from spreading to domestic pigs, according to the Saxon Ministry of Health. "The veterinarians rehearsed a coordinated approach in five large pig farms and a wildlife park." This involved epidemic investigations, biosecurity checks, coordinated administrative action and communication with livestock farmers.
"The exercise is intended to provide clarity and experience in the event of a crisis, when all crisis management measures have to be implemented smoothly," explained Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD). Saxony has been struggling with outbreaks of swine fever for several years, but so far only in wild animals.
Köpping stated that it had been possible to significantly reduce the outbreak. This would allow the experts to pass on their knowledge and experience to colleagues from central Germany. The three-day exercise in the districts of Central Saxony and Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains involved 30 vets.
