ASF Germany: First case detected in North Rhine Westphalia state

The first-ever case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in wild boar has been reported from North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) state in central Germany. More infections appear likely as 4 other suspected wild boar carcasses are currently being researched.

Until this month, the virus had not been found in NRW. Not only does this mean a new chapter in the ongoing fight against ASF, it also brings the virus closer to pig-dense areas like Belgium and the Netherlands.

The state authorities reported that the virus emerged in a dead wild boar in Olpe district, near the town Kirchhundem on Friday, June 13. This is – as the crow flies – about 160 km away from the border with neighbouring the Netherlands. A hunter had found the dead animal in a forest. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), the country’s reference lab, subsequently confirmed the detection one day later.

As is common in these cases, the authorities will establish a restriction zone around the infection site. The veterinary authorities of the districts and independent cities affected by the restriction zone are currently organising search, sampling, recovery and disposal of dead game in coordination with NRW state.

Silke Gorißen is NRW minister of agriculture and consumer protection. Gorißen said, “The primary goal is to prevent the local case of ASF from spreading among the wild boar population. Necessary measures are already underway to protect against the possible spread of ASF in the region, which were initiated at the time the suspected case was reported. I appeal to our pig farmers to pay particular attention to the known biosecurity measures to protect domestic pig populations from ASF, especially now. Of course, hobby pig farmers are also urged to exercise the utmost caution.”

The virus has surfaced in the area south of Frankfurt-am-Main since mid-2024, having infected over 2,000 wild boar and 10 swine farms. In addition, the virus briefly emerged in Lower Saxony state when it was found on a farm close to Emsbüren in July 2022, with 1,830 pigs on-site. That turned out to be a one-off infection without further implications. In Eastern Germany, the virus has been around in the border states with Poland since 2020. The situation appears to be under control there, even though the virus is not completely gone yet from that area.

The current case is about 140 km north of Frankfurt-am-Main.

Tags: African Swine Fever, Germany, wild boar, Virus, swine farms