Food Authority expands African swine fever core zone in Kymenlaakso

The Finnish Food Authority has expanded the core zone for strict African swine fever restrictions in Kymenlaakso after 11 new cases were found in dead wild boar in Virolahti, Yle reported on Thursday. The infection zone itself remains unchanged.

Some of the dead wild boar were found outside the core zone, about one kilometre north of its boundary near the border with Miehikkälä. The core zone has therefore been extended about seven kilometres northwards into Miehikkälä.

The zone now extends east of regional road 387 as far as Tohmonmäentie. Previously, it covered an area of about six by seven kilometres in northern Virolahti.

In setting the new boundaries, the Food Authority considered observations of potentially infected wild boar and the area’s roads so that the borders would be easy to identify.

The first three cases were found on July 30, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 14. African swine fever is fatal to pigs but harmless to other animals and humans.

Forest access banned in the core zone

People may not enter forests in the core zone. Berry picking and mushroom picking are prohibited, and movement is allowed only on forest roads.

Across the entire infection zone, events, hunting, forestry work and travel by motor vehicle in forests are prohibited. Dogs may be exercised only on a leash and on roads.

Pig holdings must follow stricter hygiene measures than usual. Agricultural and forestry machinery may be taken out of the zone only after it has been washed and disinfected.

Some forestry work now permitted

The Food Authority has also changed the restrictions on forestry work in the infection zone. Trees felled before the zone was established may now be collected from the forest. Previously, they could be collected only from the roadside.

Non-motorised forestry work is also permitted, including planning, mapping and advisory work, as well as tree planting, manual sowing and clearing grass from young stands, provided the work is carried out outside the core zone.

People can apply to the Food Authority for an exemption from activities that remain prohibited.