African swine fever continues to spread in Europe
The German authorities talked about matters relating the measures needed to be taken for Germany to be protected against an epidemic of ASF, but also to be prepared for a possible emergency situation.
The epizootic epidemic has been occurring in the Baltic States and Poland since 2014 - in countries further to the east since 2007 - and is spreading further and further to the west. There is a constant danger of the disease spreading across Germany's borders.
Federal Minister of Agriculture Christian Schmidt said: "An outbreak of African swine fever in Germany would bring heavy economic consequences for all pig farmers. That is why the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has already taken a number of measures to prevent further the spread of African swine fever. As early as August, the BMEL launched an information campaign on motorway rest stops, parking lots and truck stops. In September, in Prague, I exchanged views with my Czech counterpart Marian Jure?ka on combating African swine fever in wild boar. We are currently preparing for the crisis with a joint crisis exercise by the federal government and the states. "
The Chief Executive of the German County Association Prof. dr. Hans-Günter Henneke said: "The districts would be affected by an outbreak of the disease in many ways. In addition to the significant impact on pig farming and food processing companies, the counties in the Länder are regularly checked by the authorities responsible for disease control. Therefore, we want to make a contribution to be prepared for the epidemic. The districts have many years of experience in the control of animal diseases, most recently proven again in the avian influenza case. In cooperation with farmers and hunters, they ensure a rapid and effective response to a possible occurrence in Germany. "
Johannes Röring, Chairman of the Special Committee on Pork at the German Farmers' Association (DBV) and President of the Westfälisch-Lippe Agricultural Association: "For us pig farmers and for the entire value chain, an outbreak of African swine fever would be a disaster. That's why we have to do everything so that the epidemic does not occur in Germany. At the same time, however, we must be prepared for the worst case as much as possible and support agriculture! This requires, in particular, a quick and smooth crisis management, which succeeds only in interaction with the authorities, hunters and agriculture. Therefore, such common events as today are very valuable in being able to respond quickly in times of crisis. "
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