Restricted area expands as swine flu spreads in Lappeenranta

The Finnish Food Authority is preparing to expand the restricted zone for African Swine Fever (ASF) in the country after the disease was detected in wild boars outside of the core area, said an official press release on Monday.

The authority found African swine fever in five wild boars at Hujakkala in Lappeenranta, a municipality under South Karelia region.

Four wild boar carcasses were found in the same area during searches by the Finnish Food Authority, and one was a wild boar shot due to symptoms of the disease.

Meanwhile, the authority asked the residents and visitors at Hujakkala area to avoid walking in the countryside to prevent the spread of African swine fever.

Walking in nature and letting dogs loose can set wild boars on the move, which can spread African swine fever even further.

Earlier the authority on September 10 expanded the restricted zone for African swine fever in the country.

On August 28, Finland expanded a restricted zone for African swine fever (ASF).

Earlier on August 25, the Finnish Food Authority found six new cases of African swine fever (ASF) in wild pigs in the infected area in Southeastern Finland.

On August 12, the found 11 new cases of African swine fever (ASF) in wild pigs in the infected zone area in Southeastern Finland.

In late July 2026, the first cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been detected in wild pigs at Vaalimaa in Virolahti, a municipality in Eastern Finland near Russian border.