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Finland has detected the African swine fever (ASF) virus in its territory for the first time after identifying the viral genome by PCR in several wild boar found dead in the municipality of Virolahti, in the southeast of the country, close to the Russian border.
Although the result still has to be confirmed by the EU Reference Laboratory for ASF in Spain, the Finnish authorities have decided to immediately implement the control measures established to contain the disease.
The finding was made after a local resident discovered the remains of three dead wild boar piglets in the Vaalimaa area and submitted them to the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), where preliminary analyses detected the presence of the virus.
As an initial measure, Ruokavirasto has established a restricted zone covering the entire municipalities of Virolahti and Miehikkälä, as well as the southern part of the municipality of Lappeenranta.
Within this zone, pig movements have been restricted and biosecurity measures on pig farms have been reinforced. Hunting of wild boar and all other game species has also been prohibited, except for operations organised by the veterinary authorities to control the wild boar population. Feeding of wild boar and other activities that could facilitate the spread of the virus have also been banned. In addition, all wild boar found dead or shot within the restricted zone must be tested for ASF, and their carcasses must be disposed of safely.
July 30, 2026 / 333 Newsdesk, based on data from the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto).
