As per reports, Finnish authorities have announced enhanced restrictions following the country’s first confirmed case of African swine fever (ASF) after three wild boar piglets found dead in Vaalimaa, Virolahti, tested positive. The new restrictions are expected to take effect on Friday (31 July).

• An infection zone has been established covering the municipalities of Virolahti, Miehikkälä, and parts of southern Lappeenranta, where hunting has been prohibited to minimise the movement of wild boar beyond the restricted area.
• The Finnish Food Authority plans to establish a three kilometre core zone around the detection site where forestry work, berry and mushroom picking, dog walking, and other outdoor activities may be prohibited.
• Feed, grain, and bedding collected from the restricted area may not be used for pigs, while agricultural machinery may only leave the area after cleaning and disinfection.
• Reports indicate seven pig farms operate within the infection zone. Authorities stated that the risk of further spread remains relatively low if the restrictions are observed, although the infection zone may be expanded if additional cases are detected due to the movement range of wild boar.