Swine fever back in Saxony - detection near Görlitz

African swine fever (ASF) has broken out again in Saxony. On Tuesday, the ASF virus was detected in a dead wild boar in the Königshain mountains near Görlitz, according to the Ministry of Health. It was a male animal aged around two years. Whether the virus was newly introduced to Saxony or whether it spread undetected locally is reportedly being investigated.

Since February 5, the state has been considered ASF-free after the disease had not been detected for a year. The last remaining ASF restriction zone in the district of Bautzen was lifted at the beginning of March.

Immediate measures: Search for dead animals and fences

The State Animal Disease Control Center had resumed work and initiated initial immediate measures. These include searching for more dead wild animals with dogs and drones. The dismantling of protective fences within a ten-kilometer radius of the site in the district of Görlitz has been halted. Whether new fences are necessary is being examined.

"The new case hits us hard, but not unprepared," said Health Minister Petra Köpping. "Over the past five and a half years, we have gained a lot of experience in dealing with this animal disease. Together with the regional veterinary authorities, hunters and farmers, we are a well-coordinated team."

Disease not dangerous for humans

ASF is not dangerous for humans, but is highly contagious for pigs. The disease usually leads to death in pigs within a few days. A vaccine does not yet exist. The first case was registered in Saxony in October 2020, with a total of 2,399 cases reported since then.

According to previous information from the ministry, a total of 830 kilometers of protective fences had been erected to contain the spread of the disease. A large proportion of these have been removed following the decline in cases.