Pig farmer faces costly African swine fever safeguards

Farmers are being urged to fence off pig farms across Finland to prevent the spread of African swine fever, but the recommended measures could cost tens of thousands of euros, Yle reports.

Janne Karkkula, a 33-year-old farmer from Hauho in the Kanta-Häme region, runs an agricultural partnership with grain production and a pig farm. African swine fever has not been detected in Kanta-Häme, but authorities are calling for stronger preventive measures at all pig farms, including those outside the restriction zone.

“I have gone through the whole range of emotions. I am afraid,” Karkkula said.

The Finnish Food Authority says secure fencing and stricter access controls are important because fresh wild boar carcasses are still being found in the core area of the outbreak.

Fences must be strong, dug into the ground and high enough to prevent wild boar from jumping over or digging underneath them. Keeping pigs outdoors is currently banned across Finland, although the ban does not apply to farms with outdoor enclosures that prevent wild boar from coming into contact with farm animals.

Karkkula has not yet fenced his pig farm, despite the availability of investment support. He says applying for the support is difficult because farmers must begin construction at their own risk after submitting an application. If approved, the support covers 40 percent of the costs.

“I do not know how many people can actually afford to start building fences. Who is going to pay for this?” Karkkula said.

The industry association Sikayrittäjät says fencing a Finnish pig farm typically costs between 50,000 and 100,000 euros, although smaller farms may spend considerably less. Karkkula estimates that he would need around one kilometre of fencing, costing at least 50,000 euros.

Finland has about 500 pig farms, of which 10 have been fenced so far.

Grain harvesting continues normally

Karkkula has not rushed to harvest his grain, although the outbreak could have created an incentive to finish before possible restrictions are introduced.

The Finnish Food Authority says grain from restriction zones can still be used for food and animal feed after it has been stored for 30 days in accordance with precautionary measures. The uncertainty is nevertheless weighing on farmers.

“You cannot build fences around every field,” Karkkula said.

The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners initially called for the state to buy grain harvested in restriction zones because there appeared to be no buyers. Grain industry operators have since said they will begin purchasing grain from those zones.

However, Mari Lukkariniemi, an expert at the organisation, said the issue may have to be revisited if the disease spreads. She also noted that Finnish pork exports to China and Japan have stopped and that the consequences remain unclear.

“The costs of African swine fever must be compensated,” Lukkariniemi said.

The state cannot buy grain from restriction zones because European Union rules prevent it, while authorities stress that the grain remains suitable for the market.

Finland recorded its first African swine fever case in Virolahti on July 30, 2026. By September 1, a total of 37 infections had been detected, mainly in Virolahti, with one case in Pyhtää. All the infections were found in wild boar discovered in the wild, and no cases have been detected at commercial farms.

Following the detection of a case in Pyhtää, the restriction zone expanded threefold in recent days. The current infection zone covers Kymenlaakso, South Karelia and Uusimaa. The Finnish Food Authority has also said it is planning an additional restriction zone from September 10.