The spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Polish border region with Germany is causing the German government great concern, according to its own statements. "So far, the joint efforts of the federal and state governments have prevented the virus from being introduced into Germany," said Uwe Feiler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, on Friday. "We must not let up here." According to the World Organization for Animal Health, 55 cases of ASF were detected in wild boar in Poland in December. The disease has spread as far as 30 kilometers from the German border. ASF is not dangerous for humans, but is usually fatal for pigs.
The disease is transmitted by wild boar and is feared by pig farmers. China and other Asian countries generally impose import bans on meat from regions where ASF has been detected. Germany is one of the largest pork exporters in Europe. In view of the recent detections of the disease relatively close to the German border, Feiler visited the German-Polish border to see for himself the preventive measures in place. Feiler assured Poland of support in preventing further spread of the disease. There was initially no reaction from Poland.
Source
HANSA Terminhandel
