Measures against African swine fever (ASF) in Germany have been significantly tightened in recent months, particularly as the disease continues to spread into new western areas. Preventive actions have been taken in several states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saxony-Anhalt.
One of the most visible measures is the installation of new electric fences. These fences, which now span hundreds of kilometers, aim to keep out wild boars – the main transmitters of ASF. In regions along the border with the Netherlands, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, these fences are crucial to preventing the virus from spreading into the Netherlands.
Extensive buffer zones have been established in the affected areas, within which strict controls apply to the movement of pigs and pig products. Tönnies, one of Germany’s largest meat processors, recently had to temporarily halt slaughter activities due to several suspicious cases, causing significant disruption to production. On a few occasions, slaughter operations at one of Tönnies’ facilities were briefly stopped due to a few 'suspected cases.'
Combating infectious and dangerous (animal) diseases is primarily the responsibility and authority of the state governments, with the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Berlin currently performing a coordinating role only. Berlin may only take direct control in 'national-scale crises.' Meanwhile, various industry organizations are beginning to urge for stronger federal involvement as the German meat and pig markets are starting to encounter serious bottlenecks.
Several pig farmers warn of a new systemic failure similar to the recent one in the state of Lower Saxony. An outbreak of an epidemic in Hessen would be an emotional and economic catastrophe, not only for the affected pig farmers but also for indirectly affected companies within exclusion zones. This could mean those affected may have to give up their businesses. This has also been evident in earlier outbreaks in eastern Germany and most recently in Lower Saxony.
Not only the agricultural sector is impacted by measures against ASF, but the public is also experiencing inconvenience. In various regions, nature areas have been closed to walkers and cyclists. For example, in Hessen, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-WĂĽrttemberg, several hiking and cycling paths have been temporarily closed to prevent people from unknowingly spreading the virus further.