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Wild boar cull planned in Belgium
A cull of wild boar is being planned by Belgian authorities to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever.
Move to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever

A cull of wild boar is being planned by Belgian authorities to prevent further spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).

According to the National Pig Association (NPA), some 114 dead wild boars have been confirmed with ASF to date - all of which were found in the restriction zone in the Luxembourg region of the country. When this figure stabilises, the NPA adds, the authorities intend to shoot the remaining wild boars.

Around 3,000 domestic and commercial pigs have already been culled in the Luxembourg restriction zone in a bid to keep the virus out of commercial pigs. Authorities will continue to test wild boars for ASF by sending samples off to Belgium’s central laboratory, Sciensano, for diagnosis.  

Despite pig prices taking a tumble as a result of export bans by non-EU countries, they are now reported to be stable. Farmers in the restriction zone whose pigs have been culled are set to receive compensation. 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.