Alarm in the forest: Aujeszky virus discovered at wild boar in NRW!

Alarm in the forest: Aujeszky virus discovered at wild boar in NRW!

Engelskirchen-Kaltenbach, Deutschland - alarm mood in the forests of North Rhine-Westphalia! In Engelskirchen-Kaltenbach, the dreaded Aujeszky virus was demonstrated in a kept wild boar-the first case since 2022 in the Oberberg district. This disease brings great danger to pets such as dogs and cats, while the wild boars themselves hardly suffer. The latest case could give dog owners a queasy feeling.

The Aujeszky virus, also known as Pseudowut, is an insidious carrier in the animal world. In recent years, this infection has already made in several federal states, including Hesse and Thuringia, for growth. In 2023 alone, the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection recorded an increase to 175 cases. Hunting dogs who are often used for wild boar hunt and who bring their owners into the danger when they come into contact with infected game are particularly at risk.

The hidden danger of the Aujeszky virus

The virus is transmitted via body fluids or by consuming diseased pork. For other mammals, including our beloved four -legged friends, the infection is almost always fatal. The symptoms are cruel - strong itching can lead to self -mutilation, and the decay of the nerve cells leads to death within a few days. Waid men and dog owners are asked to be attentive and avoid any contact of their dogs with wild boar in order to stop the spread of the virus.

Despite the alarm message, there is a ray of hope: According to the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection, Germany is considered to be largely free of the Aujeszky disease in house pig ratings. A positive finding in wild boar does not have to be reported. Nevertheless, vigilance is required, because the virus could also threaten our pets!