Preparation towards African swine fever control in wild boar using participative modeling
Staff involved: Janine Miesch, Salome Dürr
Duration: 2023 - 2025
African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious disease caused by the ASF virus that infects porcine species, such as domestic pigs and wild boar. It is fatal to swine and can have significant implications for pork trade. Humans are not susceptible to the disease. While ASF has not been reported in Switzerland, it is spreading in neighboring countries. Controlling ASF in wild boars is mandated by law, but the implementation of control measures is complex and involves various stakeholders with divergent interests.
The project employs a methodology known as participatory modeling. This entails bringing together different groups of people (referred to as stakeholders) who may be affected by ASF control measures in wild boars. These groups include forestry workers, farmers, scientists, hunters, authorities, and other stakeholders. They will convene in workshops to discuss the feasibility of ASF control measures in detail, identify influencing factors, and visualize the impacts of these interventions in a model.
The objective is to develop a shared and accepted strategy to effectively control a potential outbreak of ASF in wild boars. The model will assess various measures to determine which would work best. This approach takes into account the diverse interests and concerns of the participants, facilitating the identification of locally tailored solutions.
The project aims not only to enhance preparedness for a potential ASF outbreak in Switzerland but also to promote communication and understanding among various stakeholders. It seeks to build trust and develop common goals and strategies for combating the disease. All stakeholders are encouraged to actively contribute and collaborate.
