I European hunters are deeply concerned about the news related to African swine fever (ASF or PSA) detected in two wild boars in Belgium. The infected animals were found in the Walloon municipality of Étalle, in the province of Luxembourg. This is the first reported case of this problematic disease in Western Europe, which is now present in 10 European Union (EU) countries. It's necessary urgent action by regional, national and European authorities.
Monitoring and biosecurity - says FACE in a statement released this morning, September 14, must be intensified by all interested parties and hunters have a key role to be carried out in reporting any abnormal situation to the competent authorities. They are also asked to remain vigilant in their own areas and to exercise rigidly biosecurity measures to prevent the disease from spreading further. Anyone traveling to affected regions, such as transporters and seasonal workers, should take measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE) and the International Hunting and Game Council (CIC) and hunters' associations in Belgium and neighboring countries are now working with a range of partners to ensure that hunters play a key role in fighting the spread of this disease and are calling for different actions. In particular, FACE would like wildlife management measures established with key stakeholders and support from regional, national and European authorities to hunters. In addition, the association needs rapid action to allow the hunting world itself to monitor the diseases of wildlife.