African swine fever

African swine fever has been confirmed in samples from wild boar in Västmanland County. This is a serious disease that affects wild boar and pigs, but not humans. The Swedish Board of Agriculture has introduced a so-called infected zone based on the location where the infected wild boar were found.
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Foto: Magnus Nyman/Johnér

Activities such as picking berries and mushrooms are prohibited in the zone where the infection is present. All kinds of hunting and forestry activities are also prohibited within the zone.

It is very important to follow the restrictions in force in the infected zone. This is to stop the spread of infection. African swine fever has a high mortality rate in pigs, almost one hundred percent. It can therefore affect food production and have major financial consequences if the disease were to spread to herds of domestic pigs. The disease also causes a great deal of suffering to affected animals.

How African swine fever spreads

African swine fever only affects wild boar and pigs. Humans and other animals cannot become infected. Humans can, however, spread the infection by carrying the virus on shoes or equipment if they have been in contact with body fluids or faeces from an infected wild boar. The virus can also be spread by wild boar eating meat products from infected animals, such as sausages from countries where the infection is present.

Help to reduce the spread of infection:

  • If you find a sick or dead wild boar anywhere in the country, it must be reported to the National Veterinary Institute (SVA).
  • Follow the rules in force in the infected zone.
  • Dispose of food leftovers in general waste. Do not leave them on the ground after a picnic or at roadside rest areas.
  • Compost your food waste in a closed container that wild boar cannot get into.