Estonia is working to achieve ASF-free status in wild boar
After being declared free of ASF in domestic pigs by the OIE, Estonia is now seeking the same status for wild boar, from the European Commission, which would allow for pig and pork trade again.
16 June 2020
Estonia was declared free of ASF in domestic pigs in 2020 in accordance with OIE standards and will submit a request to the European Commission to be given ASF-free status also for wild boars in the near future. This declaration would allow all existing trade restrictions on pigs and pork, put in place due to the disease, to be lifted.
The last case in domestic pigs was documented in September 2017, while in wild boar, the last case was confirmed in February 2019, indicating that the circulation of the virus is extremely low or non-existent.
According to Maarja Kristian, advisor to the Department of Animal Health and Welfare of the Veterinary and Food Board, a very good partnership has been established and, as a result, the wild boar population has been reduced by almost tenfold. Before the disease, the estimated wild boar population was 30,000 - 40,000, while it now stands at 4,000 - 5,000.
In order to prevent ASF reinfection of wild boar, the Estonian veterinary authorities have determined that a stocking density of 1 animal per 1000 hectares should be maintained.
June 10, 2020/ 333 Staff with information from Veterinaar- ja Toiduamet/ Estonia.
