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In order to prevent African swine fever (ASF) from spreading to central and northern Hesse, the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment (HMLU) is starting work this week on the construction of a 60-kilometer-long wild boar-proof fence. The fence is to be built in two parallel construction projects in the border area with North Rhine-Westphalia as a long-term barrier to prevent ASF from entering Hesse. The plan is to complete the fence before the end of this year.
The fence is a strategic long-term protection against the migratory movements of wild boars. ASF was first detected in North Rhine-Westphalia on June 14, 2025. Since then, there have been 175 ASF-positive wild boar findings there.
Against the backdrop of the epidemic in North Rhine-Westphalia – where the findings have moved to within around 15 kilometers of the Hessian border – the permanent fence provides further important protection, alongside the ongoing intensive carcass testing in the border area and the tactical electric fence that has already been installed at short notice to prevent the migration of wild boars.
The existing electric fence will remain in place for the time being to provide a double barrier against possible attempts by wild boars to break through. A sufficient number of gates and passages for agricultural vehicles, hikers, and cyclists is planned.
October 20, 2025/ Hesse State Government/ Germany.
https://hessen.de/
