The Finnish government has intensified efforts to contain the spread of African swine fever (ASF) amid a rising number of infections detected since July. African swine fever, a viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar with a near 100% fatality rate, poses no risk to human health but threatens Finland’s swine population and agricultural sector.

The first cases of the disease among wild boar carcasses were identified in late July, and by August 28, authorities had confirmed 36 infected wild boars in southeastern Finland, according to the Finnish Food Authority. The cluster has raised concerns over potential wider transmission within Finland’s wild and domestic pig populations.

In response, the government has implemented several new measures aimed at curbing the outbreak. Among the steps announced by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Sari Essayah is an increase in the financial incentive for hunters submitting wild boar samples from outside the known infected zone. The reward for such samples has been raised tenfold from €50 ($58) to €500 ($580), a move intended to encourage more comprehensive monitoring and early detection of ASF cases.

Minister Essayah emphasized the unified approach within the government to address the challenge. “I am pleased that the entire government acknowledged that combating African swine fever is our shared challenge and also set out guidelines for addressing it,” she said during a briefing ahead of ongoing budget discussions.

Finnish authorities continue to coordinate surveillance, control, and prevention strategies to limit the virus’s spread, drawing on guidelines established at both national and European levels. While the disease does not affect humans, its impact on animal health and the agricultural economy remains significant, prompting heightened vigilance across affected regions.