Exclusion zones in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz: ASF-free after 3.5 years!

Exclusion zones in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz: ASF-free after 3.5 years!

You can finally breathe deeply: The Oberspreewald-Lausitz district has completely lifted the exclusion zones to combat African swine fever (ASF). After 3.5 years of intensive control, the district is now considered ASF-free. The last eruption was recorded in November 2024. The EU Commission and the Veterinary Committee have approved the application by the federal state of Brandenburg to abolish the restriction zones, which will come into force on November 26, 2025. This marks the end of a phase that had a significant impact on both agriculture and wild boar. In the past, ASF was a major issue, particularly in eastern Germany and neighboring countries, with the first cases reported in Georgia as early as 2007. The disease has been spreading in Europe since 2012 at the latest.

The latest regulation stipulates that only a narrow protective corridor remains along the southern district border, where surveillance measures are still required until the disease is completely cured there. The complete abolition of the exclusion zones particularly benefited the affected farmers and wild boar hunting. Healthy wild boars from areas that are now considered free may be used without prior examination. In a statement, District Administrator Siegurd Heinze emphasized the tireless efforts of everyone involved during this long period of restrictions and is pleased about the improvement in the situation for the region.

Risk management remains important

Although the restriction zones have now passed, the issue of ASF remains important. The Ministry of Consumer Protection has emphasized that risk-oriented searches for fallen game will continue to be carried out in the former exclusion zones. All wild boars found dead or shot are examined for ASF. This is crucial to avoid reintroducing the disease into the region. In view of the high wild boar densities, constant monitoring measures are essential, and the risk of illegal disposal of contaminated material is also taken seriously.

The development in Brandenburg is part of a sad story that began with the spread of the SPV almost two decades ago. At that time, the virus was carried to many countries via Georgia, and since 2012 Germany has also been affected. High wild boar densities and health deficiencies in neighboring countries have repeatedly caused concern among the responsible authorities. The insights from these experiences can now help to detect and contain future outbreaks as early as possible in order to secure pig farming and sustainably protect the region.

The view

The dismantling work on the ASP fences in the lifted exclusion zones can now begin after the budget and cost issues have been clarified. The step towards normality is a reason for joy for many in the region who were directly or indirectly affected by the epidemic. The entire animal farming community is now hoping for a speedy return to a carefree approach to animal husbandry and utilization.

For interested citizens, comprehensive information is available from the respective districts, which continue to deal with the issue. It is important to continue to pull together to keep the Oberspreewald-Lausitz region healthy and safe.

OSL Online reports that the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district has lifted the exclusion zones, and Brandenburg.de delivers further details on the background and measures surrounding the ASP. Additional information about the ASP itself is available on the website Friedrich Loeffler Institute to find.