Province of Limburg Takes New Step in the Fight Against African Swine Fever

To minimize the threat of African swine fever in the Netherlands, the Province of Limburg has agreed on a new action plan. This plan, developed together with the national government, land management organizations, the Pig Farmers Association, and other provinces, aims to prevent African swine fever from reaching the Netherlands. The threat of the disease is structural and serious for the pig sector and nature in Limburg. This new plan builds on a previous Roadmap from 2020, responds to recent developments in Europe, and ensures Limburg is well prepared to prevent and effectively combat a possible outbreak.

Specifically Important for Limburg

Limburg shares a long border with Germany and Belgium, where African swine fever has previously been detected. The disease is highly contagious among pigs and wild boars and is steadily approaching the Dutch border. If the disease actually reaches Limburg, the consequences will be severe: painful deaths among wild boars and pigs in the meat industry, and a significant impact on the economy, nature, and tourism. Therefore, it is of great importance for Limburg to continue focusing on extensive prevention and strong preparation for potential outbreaks.

Strong Cooperation

The Province of Limburg is at the forefront of African swine fever prevention and, together with partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, the Pig Farmers Association, Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten, and wildlife management units, implements a broad range of measures.

Limburg identifies locations with an increased risk of disease introduction, such as parking lots, recreational parks, and event venues. Local consultations are held to agree on the best management of wild boars. At the same time, extra investment is made in training young hunters. All dead or found dead wild boars in Limburg are assessed by qualified personnel for rapid disease detection, and subsidies make it possible to acquire relevant equipment, training, and local consultations. Meanwhile, all involved partners keep protocols and exercises up to date, and the province has an emergency permit ready to intervene quickly if necessary.

Constant Vigilance and Willingness to Act

African swine fever is spreading in Europe. Therefore, Limburg remains extra vigilant, among other things through cooperation with neighboring countries and national partners and by annually evaluating and tightening measures. Prevention is and remains a core task, but Limburg is also prepared to act quickly and effectively in the event of an outbreak – together with all stakeholders. The plan runs until mid-2028, after which a new evaluation will follow.

Deputy Léon Faassen of Limburg emphasizes:

“It is not a question of if African swine fever will ever reach the Netherlands, but when it will happen. When it comes to viral diseases for humans, the whole country has been awakened in recent years. With animal diseases, it is different. Of course, many people know about avian flu, classical swine fever, or foot-and-mouth disease. But African swine fever is relatively unknown. More people should know that the disease is a lasting threat to Limburg. Meanwhile, we take our responsibility to minimize risks as much as possible and to be well prepared. We have previously practiced a fictional outbreak at the ministry – and you only do such an exercise if the threat is serious. With this plan, we are now building further so that Limburg can protect its farmers, nature, and economy against this terrible disease.”