African Swine Fever Detected in Zakarpattia
A case of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in a wild boar in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region. The deceased boar, weighing 40-45 kg, was discovered on February 26, 2026, within the hunting grounds of the public organization TMR 'Sokolet's' in the 'Volovaryki' tract, located approximately 4 kilometers from the village of Vorochovo. This highly contagious viral disease poses no threat to humans but is devastating to pig populations.
Laboratory analysis of pathological samples confirmed the presence of ASF, prompting the immediate implementation of quarantine restrictions. The relevant authorities were promptly notified of the incident, including:
- The Main Department of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Zakarpattia Oblast
- The Management of the Uzhhorod Military Forestry State Enterprise
- Veterinary medicine specialists from the Perechyn District Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine
- The Head of the Vorochovo Village Council
Local Authorities Issue Guidelines
To prevent the spread of the infection, local authorities are recommending that forest visits near the village be restricted.
“For the duration of the quarantine, we ask the public to refrain from visiting the forest near the village. If you discover dead wild animals, do not approach them to avoid carrying the disease into the village territory. Immediately notify government authorities and veterinary medicine workers,” the statement said.
This is not the first recent ASF outbreak in Ukraine; a similar case was recorded in October 2024 in the Poltava region, where quarantine measures were imposed in four villages. The detection in Zakarpattia underscores the ongoing challenge of monitoring wildlife health and controlling potential outbreaks that threaten the region's swine industry. Local authorities are taking steps to contain the infection, highlighting continued concerns over the epidemiological situation in the country.