France steps up African Swine Fever controls
Around 139 wild boar carcasses have been tested for African Swine Fever to date.
French authorities have stepped up controls to keep African Swine Fever (ASF) out of the country.
According to the National Pig Association (NPA), a fence is being built on the Belgian border to contain the virus, which has been confirmed in 75 wild boars to date.
The NPA refers to a report in La Republic Lorrain, which said the measure had been announced by Eric Freysselinard, the prefect of Meurthe-et-Moselle, in northeastern France.
It has also been reported that the hunting federation of Meurthe-et-Moselle had agreed to participate in the fence’s installation under the guidance of the state services.
‘The departments of other regions close to the infected region in southern Belgium, Meuse, Ardennes and Moselle, are also expected to build a fence,’ the NPA said.
The NPA adds that the prefect of Meurthe-et-Moselle has put a stop to all hunting, leisure activities and forest work in its ‘zone of reinforced observation’ until October 20. Authorities in the Meuse have taken similar action, with Ardennes expected to follow.
Some 139 wild boar carcasses have been tested for ASF so far. Out of 111 discovered in the infected area, 75 have tested positive for the disease. None of the 28 carcasses found outside the zone have tested positive.
Over 4,000 domestic and commercial pigs inside the zone have been slaughtered as a precautionary measure.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
