Finland to build 83-kilometre fence to curb African swine fever

Finland’s Food Authority is preparing to build a temporary 83-kilometre electric fence in southeastern Finland to help contain African swine fever, Yle reports.

The fence will follow the boundaries of the outbreak’s core zone across the municipalities of Miehikkälä, Virolahti and Lappeenranta. It is intended to guide wild boar movement, limiting the spread of infected animals beyond the zone and keeping healthy animals away from contaminated areas.

The fence will stand 120 centimetres high and operate year-round. Construction is due to begin in December and is expected to take about three months. The fence will not prevent people from moving through the area; roads will have either openings or gates.

The estimated cost is more than one million euros, which will be covered by the Food Authority. The authority says similar fences have proved effective in other countries.