More areas marked as restricted zone for African swine fever

The Finnish Food Authority on Thursday expanded the restricted zone for African swine fever (ASF) in the country after the disease was detected in a wild boar, said an official press release.

The authority also amended the restrictions in the infected zone concerning hunting and the keeping of dogs off leash.

The additional restricted zone is located in the municipalities of Lappeenranta, Luumäki, Kouvola, Loviisa and Lapinjärvi.

The additional restricted zone has been established around the infected zone as an extra protection zone.

Hunting of wild boar is permitted and encouraged within the additional restricted zone. Hunters must ensure that ASF samples from every hunted wild boar are submitted to the Finnish Food Authority’s laboratory for testing.

The movement of wild boar carcasses, fresh meat obtained from wild boar, meat products and any other products derived from wild boar within or outside the additional restricted zone is prohibited.

However, following a negative ASF test result, the meat may be used for the hunter’s private household consumption.