In mid-August, seven dead wild boars were found in a small area in Fagersta. On Thursday, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, SVA, found that the animal was infected with African swine fever. – What we analyzed was strongly positive for African swine fever, says Karl Ståhl, state epizootologist, SVA. Concern is growing Intensive work is now underway to stop the progress of the virus. Riksviltvårdsconsultant Mikael Hultnäs’ phone has been hot during the day, as many people worry about what will happen. – I’ve been on the phone since I turned it on this morning. People are worried about what will happen to the tribes, their own hunting and also about the restrictions, says Mikael Hultnäs, national wildlife conservation consultant. Strict restrictions are to be introduced in the area where the dead animals were found and the government has been informed of the outbreak. Hunters have already been activated to try to deal with the outbreak. – I know that the hunters who are part of the preparation plans were already activated last night and are on their way to do what they are supposed to do in the area, says Peter Kullgren (KD), Minister for Rural Affairs. Spread via humans According to Hultnäs’ assessment, most indications are that swine fever was spread by humans. – Normally, African swine fever spreads quite slowly, a few kilometers a month if it is only spread via wild boar. Now it has taken a very long step, Germany or the Baltics are probably the closest, says Mikael Hultnäs and concludes: – So most things indicate that it has spread with people.
t4-general