ASF in Finland 2026

African swine fever cases in Finland

The first finding of the virus causing African swine fever (ASF) was made in Finland on 30 July 2026. The genome of the virus was detected by PCR testing in wild boars found dead in Virolahti. The result was verified in the EU’s reference laboratory for ASF. African swine fever (ASF) is a serious viral disease of pigs and other suids. The disease is not transmissible to humans.

More information about African swine fever (ASF)

Infected zone and additional restricted zone 

Following the confirmation of African swine fever (ASF) in a wild boar, the Finnish Food Authority established an infected zone around the outbreak location and, within it, a core area subject to stricter restrictions than those applying elsewhere in the infected zone. When determining the boundaries of the infected zone, consideration is given to available information on the distribution of the disease, the local wild boar population, and the main natural and man-made barriers that restrict wild boar movements. The restrictions and conditions applying in the infected zone and core area are intended to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

In the infected zone and core area, activities in the field are restricted where they could:

  • disturb wild boar and cause them to move out of the infected zone;
  • spread the infection outside the infected zone through people, equipment or other items.

The Finnish Food Authority is responsible for coordinating disease control measures, including:

  • the disposal of wild boar found dead from the infection;
  • the controlled reduction of the wild boar population in cooperation with local hunters.

To prevent the spread of the disease, an infected zone was established in the area on 30 July 2026. The decision establishing the infected zone was refined by a decision issued on 31 July 2026, and a core area was established within the infected zone, where stricter restrictions apply than in the rest of the zone. The infected zone was extended by a decision issued on 28 August 2026.

The additional restricted zone was established on 10 September 2026.

The restrictions currently in force in the area are set out in

More information on cases of African swine fever, current restrictions and guidelines on the Finnish and Swedish pages

Map of the infected zone and the additional restricted zone

Map of the infected zone (yellow), including the core area located within it (red), and the additional restricted zone (green) 

ASF cases in Finland in 2026

The first finding of the virus causing African swine fever (ASF) was made in Finland on 30 July 2026 in Virolahti. The result was verified in the EU’s reference laboratory for ASF. Later cases of the disease have also been found in Miehikkälä, Lappeenranta and Pyhtää.

News about African swine fever (ASF)

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Page last updated 10/20/2026