An area of 1,000 square kilometers has been given restrictions where it is forbidden, for example, to hunt, pick mushrooms or walk the dog. It affects the ability to move freely in the forest, but it also affects forest owners, farmers, hunters and other activities in the forest.
So far, one case of African swine fever has been confirmed and seven more suspected dead wild boars have been found.
– It is extremely serious. This is something that we have been afraid could come to Sweden, says Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren (KD).
May affect the food supply
Swine fever is not dangerous to humans but is fatal to pigs and wild boars. Therefore, the big concern now is that the infection will get into the domestic pig herds, which could then affect the Swedish food supply, says Kullgren.
– Then the situation becomes very, very serious, says Kullgren.
The minister says that the authorities responsible for handling this have known for a long time that this was a risk as the infection had previously been found in other European countries.
According to Kullgren, there has been preparedness for this type of outbreak and that the authorities currently have what it takes to deal with the problem. But that the government is at the same time ready to assist if further support is requested.
“Safe before unsafe”
The cases that have been encountered have been just east of Fagersta, but the restrictions apply all the way to Ramnäs, roughly 30 kilometers away. Kullgren believes that it is reasonable to introduce the restrictions in such a large area, despite the large impact it has on both private individuals and companies.
– I think it is good that you take the safe for the uncertain. It is much, much easier to scale down than to scale up, because then it is already too late, he says.