04 Aug 2026 African swine fever reaches Finland
Brussels, 4 August 2026 – African swine fever (ASF) was detected in Finland for the first time on 30 July 2026, following confirmed cases in wild boar in Virolahti, in south-east Finland, close to the Russian border.
ASF is a serious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar. It does not affect humans, but outbreaks can have major consequences for animal health, wild boar management and the pig farming sector.
At EU level, a comprehensive framework has been established for the prevention, control and eradication of ASF, including measures relating to surveillance, biosecurity, regionalisation and disease control. Cooperation between authorities, hunters and other actors on the ground is an essential part of an effective response.
Following the detection, the Finnish authorities established an infection zone covering the municipalities of Virolahti and Miehikkälä and part of Lappeenranta. Most activities, including hunting, are now restricted in the infection zone, except for wild boar population control specifically organised by the Finnish Food Authority.
The Finnish Hunters’ Association has therefore called on hunters to strictly follow all instructions issued by the authorities and to avoid independent actions within the affected area. At the same time, hunters are being actively integrated into the response. As highlighted by the Finnish Hunters’ Association, the Finnish Food Authority is currently collaborating with local wildlife experts and hunters to organise wild boar carcass searches and official population control culls within the infection zone. These operations are being finalised under the strict guidance of the Finnish Food Authority to ensure high biosecurity standards and prevent any further spread, with specific directives to be issued separately.
FACE welcomes the proactive approach of the Finnish Food Authority in working directly with hunters to organise carcass searches and official population control measures within the infection zone.
Dr David Scallan, FACE Secretary General, stated: “Hunters must be seen as part of the solution. They have the knowledge, presence on the ground and practical experience needed to make an important contribution to disease surveillance and management. We saw how this approach contributed to the successful eradication of ASF in Sweden.”
The detection in Finland comes against the background of the continued presence and spread of ASF in parts of Europe. Effective surveillance is essential. Hunters are particularly well placed to contribute to the detection and reporting of dead or sick wild boar, participate in organised carcass searches and sampling, implement biosecurity measures and, where requested by the competent authorities, assist with targeted wild boar management.
Experience from ASF outbreaks elsewhere in Europe has demonstrated the importance of coordinated action involving veterinary authorities, hunters, farmers, landowners and other relevant stakeholders.
FACE therefore stresses the importance of integrating hunters and their representative organisations into ASF preparedness, surveillance and response strategies from the outset.
The immediate priority in Finland is to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
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