Tighter regulations for swine fever in regions of high acidity
In the Sauerland region of Germany, African Swine Fever (ASF) has prompted a series of restrictions and bans to control the outbreak. The disease, currently affecting the area, has led to the cancellation of several events, including the Schmallenberger Hiking Week and the Rothaarsteig Marathon.
The NRW Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the establishment of two restricted zones in the Sauerland. These zones, known as Restricted Zone II and Restricted Zone I, encompass a 15 km infected area around locations where viral cases in wild boars have been found, and an additional 10 km buffer zone, respectively.
Within these zones, free-range and outdoor pig farming is prohibited, hunting is banned, and the movement of pigs is tightly controlled. The restrictions are based on a system designed to intensify control measures and adhere to European Commission requirements.
As of early July 2025, the number of infected wild boar cases has risen to 26 in these localized areas, with increasing cases in nearby districts. This ongoing active surveillance and control is crucial, as Germany, particularly Sauerland, is facing a significant increase in ASF cases in wild boar populations in 2025.
The duration of these restrictions remains indefinite, dependent on the progression of disease control and the absence of further outbreaks. Typically, such restrictions remain in place until a prolonged period with no new ASF cases is confirmed, often following European Commission guidelines that may require monitoring for several months or longer.
To prevent the spread of ASF, several precautionary measures have been taken. For instance, small pig farmers in the Coesfeld district are being visited by inspectors to check the security of their pens to prevent wild boars from coming into contact with domestic pigs. Similarly, the authorities in the Münsterland region have implemented new measures, such as allowing hunters to use night vision devices and providing test kits for all dead wild boars.
The recommended group size for forest activities in the Sauerland region is now ten to fifteen participants. This is in response to veterinarian warnings that larger groups could cause unrest and potentially contribute to the spread of ASF.
The cancellations of events like the Rothaarsteig Marathon, which was expected to attract more than 1,000 participants, underscore the seriousness of the situation. The Kreis Soest has also taken precautionary measures against ASF, adding to the extensive efforts being made to combat the disease.
The evolving epidemiology with rising wild boar infections suggests that the restrictions and bans will likely remain enforced until the infection is effectively contained and cleared, which may extend several months or more. The situation might persist into late 2025 or beyond, subject to updates by veterinary and agricultural authorities.
[1] Source: NRW Ministry of Agriculture [2] Source: Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture [3] Source: European Commission - Animal Health Europe
- Amidst the ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Sauerland, Germany, health and wellness enthusiasts might want to focus on fitness-and-exercise routines at home, as rather than participating in events like the Schmallenberger Hiking Week and the Rothaarsteig Marathon, which have been canceled due to the disease, it's essential to prioritize personal health under the current circumstances.
- Apart from the restrictions imposed on farming and hunting practices in response to the ASF outbreak, health-and-wellness advocate groups are encouraged to follow the news about updates in science, particularly medical-conditions like African Swine Fever, to stay informed about the presence and potentially spread of such diseases in their local areas and implement necessary precautions accordingly.
