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Denmark to build a fence to keep out ASF
“A fence will keep potentially infected wild boars from crossing the border."
New measures aim to protect the country’s pig herds 

Denmark is set to build a 70km fence along the border with Germany to reduce the risk of African swine fever (ASF) reaching the country’s pig herds.

An outbreak of ASF would prompt an immediate shutdown of all exports to third countries, worth DKK 11 billion (£1.29 billion). Pig exports to other EU member states would not be affected, except for exports from the affected part of Denmark.

“A fence will keep potentially infected wild boars from crossing the border and make it easier for hunters to eradicate wild boars from Denmark,” said Esben Lunde Larsen, Danish minister for environment and food.

The fence will require new legislation and is expected to be 1.5 metres tall, dug 50cm into the ground. Cattle grids or gates will be established on footpaths that cross the border, and it will still be possible to drive across, in accordance with the Schengen Agreement.

This is one of a number of initiatives to prevent ASF spreading to Denmark. There has been a considerable hike in fines for breaching regulations, for example failing to properly clean vehicles for transporting animals, illegally importing food or feeding food waste. Danish hunters were also given new options for hunting wild boars.

An information campaign is also raising awareness of the risks of ASF among pig farmers, hobby farmers and pet pig owners.

A separate campaign is aiming to ensure haulage companies comply with the rules on cleaning and sanitising lorries after transporting bi-ungulate animals.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.