African swine fever causes high costs in Sweden and zone expansion in Finland

A report led by the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) indicates that the 2023 African swine fever outbreak in Västmanland, Sweden, resulted in calculable societal costs of 151 million SEK. Although the infection was limited to wild boar and did not reach domestic pig production, the impact was significant. Direct costs for control measures, including personnel, field operations, fencing, and contracted hunters, totaled 123 million SEK, while indirect costs such as compensation and municipal support amounted to 28 million SEK. Additionally, a welfare loss of approximately 15 million SEK was estimated due to restricted access to nature and recreational areas.

In Finland, the Finnish Food Authority has expanded the core infection zone for African swine fever following the detection of the virus in dead wild boar in Villmanstrand. While the core area has expanded northeastward to include more municipalities, authorities have introduced certain eased restrictions to facilitate normal life. Activities such as forestry, walking, berry picking, and dog walking are permitted within the zone, provided that machinery, footwear, and vehicles are thoroughly washed and disinfected before leaving the area.