Training raises hunter awareness of a deadly swine disease affecting wild boar in the Western Balkans

A series of trainings recently concluded in Serbia and in Montenegro, helping hunters improve their knowledge of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar and strengthen hunting biosecurity. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the sessions reached more than 200 hunters. 

Starting in 2024, this series of 14 events builds on training sessions conducted between 2020 and 2021, after the disease was first reported in the Western Balkans.

African swine fever is an infectious and deadly virus with severe consequences for animal health, food security and rural development. It has become a global concern, directly and indirectly impacting the pig sector and rural communities worldwide, and posing a risk to ASF-free countries and regions. Containing the disease requires coordinated action and cooperation between the public and private sectors. 

In Montenegro, the disease has so far only been detected in wild boar, whereas in Serbia it has been reported in both domestic pigs and wild boar. The outbreak has now spread across the Western Balkans.

Jointly organized by the Public Enterprise JP Vojvodinasume in Serbia and the Hunting Association of Montenegro, and led by FAO Hunting Biosecurity Specialist Jovan Mirceta, the events combined theoretical and practical components. They covered ASF detection and control as well as hunting biosecurity. In addition, demonstrations were held on how to sample the animals, package samples and follow hunting biosecurity procedures when dressing hunted wild boar. Participants welcomed the training, noting that it provided an opportunity to discuss broader issues related to disease and wildlife management.

“African swine fever is widespread in Europe and its effective control requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders,” said FAO Animal Health Preparedness Expert Mark Hovari. “Detecting and controlling the disease in wildlife is critical for successfully controlling it in domestic pigs. Hunters play a critical role by detecting and reporting ASF in wild boar. By following hunting biosecurity measures, they can prevent further spread.”

He also emphasized the vital contribution of FAO’s local partners in organizing the trainings, recruiting the participants and ensuring the overall success of the events.

The project also delivered training for first responders on stamping-out procedures, including depopulation, disposal and disinfection, as well as supplying emergency response equipment, supporting biosecurity reviews of commercial pig farms, and piloting a community-based training programme to strengthen ASF awareness and biosecurity practices among backyard producers.