Finland confirms first African swine fever cases in wild boar

Finland has confirmed its first-ever case of African swine fever (ASF), a significant development for the region's animal health. The Finnish Food Authority, Ruokavirasto, announced on July 30 that the virus was detected in three wild boar piglets found in Virolahti, South Karelia, close to the Russian border.

Until now, Finland had been one of the few countries in its region to remain free of ASF. Anne-Ly Veetamm, a leading specialist at the Agriculture and Food Authority, stated that the virus's arrival in Finland highlights its continued spread across Europe and its reach into previously unaffected areas.

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This is a significant development in the region's disease situation, as Finland was previously one of the few countries in our region where African swine fever had not been detected.

The infected piglets were discovered on July 24 and 27 in two locations approximately 1.3 kilometers from the Russian border. Initial tests and a repeat analysis confirmed the presence of the virus, with samples sent to an EU reference laboratory for final confirmation. In response, Finland has established an infected zone covering the municipalities of Virolahti and Miehikkälä, and part of Lappeenranta, implementing strict control measures in line with EU regulations.

Within this zone, movement of pigs and related products is restricted, and feeding and hunting of wild boar are prohibited, except for official operations. All dead, hunted, or culled wild boar must be tested for ASF. The region contains about 20 pig farms, including one with approximately 3,000 fattening pigs. Veetamm noted that Finland's wild boar population, estimated at around 3,000, is significantly smaller than Estonia's and is concentrated in the southeastern and southern parts near the Russian border, the same area where the infection was detected.

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The arrival of African swine fever in Finland shows that the disease continues to spread in Europe and reaches areas that have so far been free of the disease.