Current information on African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar

The Rothaarsteig is a path to take a deep breath, discover and enjoy. To keep it that way, it is important to pay attention to what you don't always see at first glance. This currently concerns an issue that is preoccupying many regions in Germany: African swine fever (ASF). It has now also been detected in wild boars in the Olpe district and in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district on the Rothaarsteig.

The virus is not dangerous for humans and is not transmitted to domestic animals such as dogs, cats or horses.
Unfortunately, the virus is highly contagious for wild and domestic pigs. The affected areas have therefore been categorized into different zones. Special rules apply there for visitors, animal owners and hunting. An overview of the respective zones can be found here: https: //t1p.de/papp3

Important: Hiking on the marked trails is of course still permitted on the Rothaarsteig.

Rules of conduct:

• Stay on the marked paths!
  Please only enter forests and open landscapes on official hiking or traffic routes. In this way you avoid unwanted contact and actively support the protection against epidemics. It is also forbidden for anyone looking for mushrooms and berries to enter the forest off the hiking trails in the so-called restricted zone II!

• Do not touch wild animals or animal carcasses!
  If you discover a dead wild boar, please report the discovery immediately to the veterinary office in the Olpe district:(asp@kreis-olpe.de orphone 02761 81-899)

• Dogs on a lead please!
  Dogs are not allowed to run free in the infected zone - not even in forests or meadows. This helps to prevent the virus from spreading unnoticed via paws or fur.

• Do not leave food scraps in the wild!
  Leftover food attracts wild boar and increases the risk of the virus spreading. Please take your garbage back with you!

• If you would like to hike in a group, a maximum group size of 15 people is recommended, based on the regulations in the Hochsauerland district.

In some areas you will come across a new fence and gate. The fence is intended to prevent potentially infected pigs from wandering. Gates have been erected where the fence meets paths. Please take care to close these gates behind you.

Thank you for helping to protect our landscape, wildlife and regional agriculture!