ASF in Germany: new buffer zone introduced in North Rhine-Westphalia

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German authorities have intensified efforts to contain the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the country’s most populous state. A new buffer zone has been established with additional regulations, according to the agricultural publication Top Agrar. To date, ASF has been confirmed in 26 wild boars across two districts.

The virus was first detected in the region in June 2025. Genetic analysis shows that the strain closely resembles one previously identified in Calabria, southern Italy.

Initially, a 15 km infected zone was set up, encompassing parts of the Olpe, Siegen-Wittgenstein, and Hochsauerland districts. This area is now officially designated as "Restricted Zone II." In response to the continued spread of the virus, authorities have created an additional 10 km buffer around this zone, known as "Restricted Zone I."

The new zoning strategy was announced by veterinary authorities in collaboration with the NRW State Animal Disease Control Centre (LaTiKo) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection.

Measures in Restricted Zone II:

  • Free-range and outdoor pig farming is strictly prohibited.
  • Pig movements require special authorization.
  • Hunting is banned, except for tracking injured or sick wild animals.
  • Harvesting operations are subject to restrictions.
  • Forest visits are permitted but only on designated paths.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Measures in Restricted Zone I:

  • Pig farms must adhere to enhanced biosecurity protocols and face transportation limitations.
  • Hunting will be intensified to reduce the wild boar population and prevent the spread of ASF to unaffected areas.
  • Forest access is allowed only on marked paths.
  • Dogs must remain on a leash.

This zoning system complies with European Commission requirements and aims to enable more effective, localized ASF control measures.

Authorities emphasize that these enhanced restrictions are crucial for preventing further spread of the disease, especially given NRW’s dense population and proximity to major cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Essen.


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