Update ASF in Poland
According to the information of the General Veterinary Inspectorate in Poland, 8 new cases of ASF have been confirmed in the Lubuskie Voivodeship. The extent of the disease has shifted westward, currently the virus is located about 40 km from the German border.
On the map published by the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate on 2 December 2019, information appeared about the new cases of ASF infected wild boars in the Lubuskie Voivodeship (province).
According to the information of the General Veterinary Inspectorate, 8 new cases of ASF have been confirmed in the Lubuskie Voivodeship. The extent of the disease has shifted westward, currently the virus is located about 40 km from the German border.
However, the situation is more serious than previously expected. In addition to one case confirmed in the Zielona Gora city (case no. 2019/2097), the disease also occurred in the municipalities of Zielona Góra, Sulechów, Świdnica and Nowogród Bobrzański (case no 2019/2095 – closest to the German border). Two cases of the disease were also confirmed in the municipality Nowa Sól in the Nowosolski district (case no. 2019/2093).
Thus, the distance between the ASF infected area and the border with Germany has significantly decreased. At present, it is about 40 km, which is a distance of possible movement of wild boar families. Also the area is densely forested, as can be seen on the above map. According to Central Statistical Office, as of 2019 there are 4,9 thousands wild boars in Lubuskie voivodship, which is estimated as 6,8% of the total wild boar population in Poland.
Presently, the new findings of ASF positive wild boars are not yet listed in Part II areas under Commission Implementing Decision (EU) No 2019/1994 of 28 November 2019, however the new revision of Dec 2014/709/EU is expected soon.
For extensive read on measures in Poland and the spread of ASF read our article on ASF in Poland here