African swine fever core zone expands near eastern border

Finland’s Food Authority has expanded the core zone of an African swine fever infection area in Lappeenranta, Yle reports. The zone now extends about nine kilometres northeast to Rummuntie and Tervajoki.

The boundaries of the wider infection zone have not changed. The expansion follows the discovery of African swine fever in a wild boar shot in Lappeenranta, which the authority says indicates the disease is actively spreading.

Moose hunting will again be permitted in the infection zone outside the core area, using watch or stalking methods. Hunting small predators and other watch or stalking hunts will also be allowed.

Wild boar hunting remains prohibited throughout the infection zone, except for hunts organised by the Food Authority. All hunting remains banned in the core area.