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In the wake of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Hesse, the Ministry of Agriculture has redefined the affected areas. The previously restricted zone of around 100,000 hectares is now known as restricted zone II. In addition, a ten-kilometer-wide strip adjacent to it will be designated as the new restricted zone I. This covers almost 150,000 hectares and acts as a buffer zone. It extends the affected area to include parts of the Hochtaunus district, the Rheingau-Taunus district, and other areas of the Bergstrasse district.
Regulations for hunters are different in the zones
In restricted zone II, which has been set up closely around the core area, dogs must be kept on a lead. There is also a general ban on hunting along with requirements for farmers during harvesting to prevent wild boar from being disturbed and dispersed. Walkers should stay on the paths. The regulations are comparable to those of the previous restriction zone. In contrast, increased hunting is called for in restricted zone I. The aim is to significantly reduce the wild boar population in this area to reduce the risk of infection from the wild boars. Hunting of all types of game is permitted. Nevertheless, there are restrictions on the handling of wild boar that have been shot and on the types of hunting (no hunting on the move or harvesting), as the dispersal of wild boar must be prevented at the same time.
In addition to the two restricted zones I + II, a restricted zone III is to be established in the district of Groß-Gerau in the future. The final definition of this zone by the EU is still pending. Restricted zone III will then replace the current protection and surveillance zones around farms with infected domestic pigs. Severe restrictions will apply to the trade of pigs and pork products and slaughtering within a 10-kg radius around the farms. Trade of live pigs is generally prohibited. Slurry, manure, and used bedding may also not be removed from the zone. Pork from there may only be marketed under strict conditions. This is exclusively for disease prevention purposes and the consumption of pork is completely safe.
July 25, 2024/ Agriculture - Hesse/ Germany.
https://landwirtschaft.hessen.de
