African swine fever found in Lappeenranta for first time

African swine fever has been detected in Hujakkala, Lappeenranta, Yle reports, citing the Finnish Food Authority. The authority is asking people who live in or visit the area to avoid moving through the terrain.

Four wild boar carcasses were found in the forest during searches by the Food Authority. One of the animals had been shot because it showed symptoms of the disease.

The animals were found inside the infection zone but outside the core zone established to prevent the disease from spreading. The Food Authority said the core zone will be expanded later this week.

The first case of the disease was confirmed in Virolahti on July 30. In the Kymenlaakso region, African swine fever has also previously been detected in Miehikkälä and Pyhtää.