The Friedrich-Loeffler Institute in Germany (analogous to the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory) has confirmed African swine fever (ASF) in at least twelve boars since September 10th. Most of the cases were discovered in a 10-mile2 area in the Oder-Spree District in the state of Brandenburg, close to the Eastern border with Poland.
The number of dead animals yielding ASF virus suggests widespread infection in feral swine. Authorities are now working to ensure that the infection is not introduced into commercial farms as a result of defective biosecurity.
It is again emphasized that if ASF were to be introduced into the wild boar population in the U.S. Gulf Coast states, extensive dissemination of the disease would occur as in Eastern Europe. In 2019 the USDA assigned $75 million in a pilot program to eradicate feral hogs. It is suggested that this initiative should assume a greater level of priority with commensurate allocation of money and resources, given the consequences of introduction of ASF into the U.S. including disruption of exports and a high cost of control and eradication.
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