African swine fever
African swine fever was detected during the autumn of 2023 in samples from wild boar in two municipalities in Västmanland County. It is a serious disease that affects wild boar and pigs, but not humans. The Swedish Board of Agriculture introduced a so-called infected zone based on the location where the infected wild boars were found.
Updated
Efforts to reduce the spread of the disease have been successful, but even though some restrictions have been removed, there are still restrictions to follow if you are in the affected area.
Swedish Board of Agriculture: This applies in the infected zone (in Swedish)
How African swine fever spreads
African swine fever only affects wild boar and pigs. Humans and other animals cannot be infected. However, humans can spread the infection further by carrying the virus on shoes or tools if they have been in contact with the body fluids or faeces of 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 virus is present.
Help reduce the spread of infection
- If you find a sick or dead wild boar anywhere in the country, report it to the Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA).
- Follow the rules that apply if you are in the infected zone.
- Throw food leftovers in the rubbish bin. Do not leave them lying on the ground after a picnic or at roadside rest areas.
- Compost your food waste in a closed container that wild boars cannot get into.