In view of the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Lower Saxony, the precautionary killing of 1,800 pigs on a farm in Freren was ordered. This farm had taken over piglets from a farm in Emsbüren a few days before the outbreak of ASF. Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation, commented:
“The fact that all the sows and piglets on the farm affected by ASF had to be culled is bad enough. However, sending another 1,800 animals to their deaths as a precautionary measure despite the lack of evidence of infection is disproportionate and contrary to animal welfare. Culling should only be the last resort once the ASF outbreak on a farm has actually been confirmed. Taking samples from all animals in such large numbers naturally costs time and money, but can save the animals' lives if the virus is not detected. And saving lives must be a priority. The hasty decision to cull, which Ms. Otte-Kinast allegedly did not take lightly, is based solely on economic motives. Instead of closely monitoring the farm and immediately ramping up all the necessary biosecurity measures, the Minister apparently wants to play it safe to ensure that no second outbreak occurs on paper, which would result in further restricted zones and economic losses.”
