First Detection of ASF in Finland Highlights Border Risks
Following our previous updates, the APHA’s International Disease Monitoring Team has issued a new assessment (APHA Report #41) confirming that African Swine Fever (ASF) has been detected for the first time in Finland.
With ongoing detections in neighbouring countries and active threats at Great Britain's borders, keepers must remain highly vigilant.
Key Developments in Europe
- First Detection in Finland: ASF has been confirmed in a forested area in the south-east of Finland, less than 2 km from the Russian border.
- The Cases: Two wild boar piglet carcasses and a long bone from a wild boar tested positive in late July 2026.
- Regional Context: ASF detections have been occurring in recent years in neighbouring Russia, as well as the nearby Baltic States and Poland.
- Response: Enhanced surveillance is currently underway, and restrictions are in place within a designated infection zone established around the affected area.
What This Means for Scotland
The potential high risk for the introduction of the ASF virus through non-commercial imports of pork products from ASF-affected areas remains a major concern.
Recent inspections at GB ports suggest that vehicles are actively bringing pork meat in illegally from affected regions of the EU. Alarmingly, some of this meat appears to be home-slaughtered, arriving from undisclosed origins as non-commercial imports with poor biosecurity and food hygiene.
Action Points for Keepers and Veterinarians
- Know the Signs: Pig keepers and veterinarians are urged to remind themselves of the clinical signs of ASF.
- Report Immediately: Any suspect cases must be reported promptly.
The full disease report, which includes links to further information on spotting and reporting the disease, is available here: African swine fever in pigs and wild boars in Europe - GOV.UK
How to Report in Scotland
ASF is a notifiable disease. If you suspect a case, you must report it immediately to your local APHA Field Services Office.
Inverness - 03000 600709
Inverurie - 03000 600708
Perth - 03000 600704
Ayr - 03000 600703
Galashiels - 03000 600711
For general Scottish inquiries, contact: 03000 600 704 or email APHA.Scotland@apha.gov.uk
Learn more about biosecurity on gov.scot