4.11.2020 Poland's wild boar targeted in pointless cull that could actually spread swine fever https://theconversation.com/polands-wild-boar-targeted-in-pointless-cull-that-could-actually-spread-swine-fever-109917 1/4 Author Marianna Szczygielska Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science Close Academic rigour, journalistic flair Most of Poland’s wild boars are being culled to stop the spread of African swine fever, a deadly viral disease that endangers farm pigs. The Polish Hunting Association was mandated to organise large-scale hunts to kill more than 200,000 wild boars by the end of January, reducing its population by almost 90%. The government had been planning to erect a 1200 km-long fence along the eastern border of Poland to stop infected wild boars from moving westward, but the costly project was abandoned. The war against African swine fever lifts some of the hunting restrictions, allowing licensed hunters to kill pregnant sows and organise hunts in national parks and nature reservations. These drastic measures have sparked protests. Even some of the hunters have refused to take part in the slaughter of wild boars. Wildlife biologists also warn that mass hunts are not only pointless, but can even spread the deadly virus through human-mediated contact with infected blood. A letter from over 1000 scientists urges Polish government to seek out other solutions, highlighting the importance of following biosecurity guidelines. Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock.com Poland’s wild boar targeted in pointless cull that could actually spread swine fever January 18, 2019 3.58pm GMT