Finland confirms first cases of African swine fever in wild boars

The first cases of African swine fever in Finland have been confirmed by the EU reference laboratory in Spain. The initial findings occurred in late July following the discovery of dead wild boar piglets in Virolahden, located in the Kymenlaakso region near the eastern border.

Genetic analysis by the Finnish Food Authority has identified the virus genotype. This specific genetic group was first reported in Ukraine in 2012 and has been present annually in the Baltic states since 2014, with other cases recorded in Poland, Italy, and Russia. While the analysis is complete, the exact route of entry into Finland remains unconfirmed.

Recent field searches in Virolahden yielded 17 new samples from dead wild boars. Matti Nyberg, head of the veterinary services unit at the Finnish Food Authority, noted that the findings suggest the presence of at least two separate herds: one near the original site and another a few kilometers to the north. Authorities are currently preparing to expand the core zone and are maintaining infection zones with various restrictions in place.