As African Swine Fever (ASF) continues its spread across Europe, France has heightened surveillance along its northeastern border with Germany to protect its crucial pig farming industry. The virus, which is deadly for pigs but harmless to humans, has been increasingly detected in wild boar populations, raising concerns of its potential introduction into France. The French government is exploring the construction of fences along the German border and collaborating with local hunters to regulate wild boar populations. These preventive measures follow earlier successes along the Belgian border, where ASF containment was achieved through similar efforts.
Farmer groups have urged authorities to create wild boar-free zones near Germany, echoing strategies employed during previous outbreaks. The ongoing threat of ASF poses significant challenges, with the disease already causing severe disruptions in countries such as Germany, China, and Vietnam. If the virus breaches France’s borders, it could result in widespread economic losses for the pork industry and potential disruptions in the food supply chain.
The French agriculture ministry remains vigilant, closely monitoring the situation and reinforcing biosecurity measures to safeguard the nation’s pig herds.
