FAGERSTA, SWEDEN — Since Aug. 25, seven wild boars have been found dead in a limited area around the city of Fagersta, Sweden, 145 km northwest of Stockholm. Samples from another wild boar are currently being shipped to Sweden’s National Veterinary Institute (SVA) to test for African swine fever (ASF). The relevant authorities continue to work on localizing, containing and controlling the infection and will provide more information on a regular basis.

“The contingency plan we have had for a long time is now being implemented,” said Lena Hellqvist Björnerot of the Swedish Board of Agriculture. “We are also taking note of experiences from other countries that have been in a similar situation.”

Authorities will work with the hunters’ organizations to find out how large an area is affected by searching for dead wild boar in combination with knowledge of the wild boars’ home range. All access to the affected area will be prohibited. For example, no one will be allowed to be in the area, pick berries and mushrooms, hunt, work with forestry or do other outdoor activities. The infection does not affect humans or other animal species, but it can be spread via pig meat or by carrying the virus on shoes, tools and vehicles.

“At present, we do not know how the infection was introduced but it is a long-distance jump from the nearest infected area in Europe and we therefore assume that it has been introduced through human activity and not wild boar,” said Karl Ståhl a professor at SVA. “There is currently an extensive spread of infection in Europe. There are countries that have succeeded in eradicating the disease, and that is our national goal.”

The SVA encourages the public and hunters to report findings of dead wild boar throughout Sweden, but especially in the affected area and in Västmanland County, via www.rapporteravilt.sva.se. Pig owners are encouraged to review their biosecurity and contact a veterinarian if there are signs of disease or increased mortality.

The disease has been present in Europe since 2007 and the European Union since 2014. It presents as fever, bleeding, loss of coordination (ataxia), poor appetite and death usually occurs within a week.