Belgium: appeal to hunters not to hunt in ASF risk areas

Published Nov 26, 2024

Tridge summary

The FAVV in Belgium is reminding hunters to be aware of African Swine Fever (ASF) as hunting season begins, following outbreaks of the disease in the region. Hunters who come into contact with wild boars are advised to follow hygiene measures, avoid taking meat from affected areas, and not visit pig farms for 72 hours after contact. This is to prevent the spread of ASF, which poses a threat to both wild boar populations and pig farming in Belgium. The minister has emphasized the severe economic consequences that resulted from a previous ASF outbreak, including trade restrictions on Belgian pork, and is urging hunters to comply with hygiene measures to prevent a repeat of such an outbreak.

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Original content

Now that hunting season has officially begun, FAVV is asking hunters to be especially vigilant about African Swine Fever (ASF). This summer, dozens of ASF cases were detected within 200 kilometers of the Belgian border, near Frankfurt. Several cases were also recorded in Italy. Hunters who come into contact with wild boars are urged to strictly adhere to hygiene measures. It is essential not to take wild boar meat and products from areas where ASF is present. A hunter may not enter a pig farm for 72 hours after contact with a live or dead wild boar. The disease is not only harmful to the wild boar population, but also to pig farming in Belgium. David Clarinval, Federal Minister for Agriculture: “ASF last appeared in Belgium in 2018. Around 29 third countries imposed restrictions on the trade of Belgian pork into their territory. As a result, around 70% of this export market in third countries has disappeared. It took years of ...

Source: 3tres3