Data collection from the outbreak of African swine fever in wild boar in Fagersta

On September 6th, 2023, African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed in wild boar, for the first time in Sweden. Measures were implemented according to the EU Animal health legislation and the Swedish contingency plan. ASF is a devastating viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar with severe disease, and in most cases, death. It causes major economic losses, threatens food security and limits pig production in affected regions. In the absence of vaccines, disease control measures rely on restrictions on various activities combined with depopulation of affected premises or populations.

The aim of this project is to secure material and data from the affected area. As many features of epidemiology and disease ecology, and people’s recollection, are “perishable”, this needs to be done as soon as possible.

The project is highly relevant
for a better understanding of the epidemiology of ASF but also for future management of animal disease outbreaks. The collected information will be directly applicable and useful for modelling work on geographic disease risks, disease ecology and outbreak implications. 

The project will: 1) Secure samples from the environment where infected wild boar were found; 2) Monitor wild boar spatial behaviour  by marking wild boar around the infected area and 3) Increase the understanding of the interactions in the interface between the disease and the local community, their attitudes experiences and perceptions towards the outbreak per se, as well as towards the control measures implemented by the authorities.