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African Swine Fever in Wild Boar: German Hunters’ Perception of Surveillance and Control—A Questionnaire Study

Authors :
Lisa Rogoll
Katja Schulz
Franz J. Conraths
Carola Sauter-Louis
Source :
Animals, Vol 13, Iss 18, p 2813 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Since the first occurrence of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar in Germany in 2020, the disease has primarily affected the wild boar population in the eastern part of the country close to the border with Poland. Local hunters play a crucial role in implementing surveillance and control. To evaluate their perceptions of existing control measures and analyze regional differences between hunters from ASF-affected and non-affected regions, a questionnaire study was conducted among the German hunting community. Hunters from non-affected areas held a more optimistic view regarding the effectiveness of control measures compared to hunters from affected areas. However, control measures that hinder hunting were generally perceived as ineffective. Measures that collided with hunters’ understanding of fair hunting practices were regarded as controversial. Financial incentives and reducing bureaucracy were the most favored approaches to increase hunters’ participation. Moreover, the possibility of eating or selling the meat of hunted wild boar and the provision of infrastructure for implementing ASF control were considered motivating. Thus, this study highlights the importance of compensating hunters and addressing their concerns to maintain their engagement in ASF control. To enhance compliance with controversial measures, thoughtful communication and raising awareness are essential.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20762615
Volume :
13
Issue :
18
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Animals
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.9a5e83ffa48b4036a77152c50a85caa5
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182813