Border Guard closes game gates over African swine fever

Finland’s Southeast Finland Border Guard has temporarily closed game gates in the barrier fence along the eastern border because of African swine fever, Yle reported.

The disease has been detected in wild boar in Virolahti, in the Kymenlaakso region. The virus was found in dead wild boar piglets.

The Finnish Food Authority has banned activities including hunting, forestry work and allowing dogs to run free in Virolahti, Miehikkälä and southern Lappeenranta. Berry and mushroom picking is also prohibited within three kilometres of the locations where the piglets were found in Vaalimaa.

The restrictions aim to prevent the disease from spreading. African swine fever does not infect humans.