The Finnish Food Authority has established an additional African swine fever restriction zone and changed the restrictions in the infected zone

The Finnish Food Authority has established an additional restriction zone (buffer zone) for African swine fever (ASF) on 10 September 2026. The regulations of the additional restriction zone apply in particular to wild boars. On 10 September 2026, the Finnish Food Authority has also amended the restrictions of the infection zone regarding hunting and the keeping of dogs loose.

The additional restricted zone acts as a buffer

An additional restricted zone has been established as an additional zone around the infected zone. The area is estimated to be free of African swine fever, and it acts as a buffer zone between the infected zone and the rest of Finland. The additional restricted zone is located in the municipalities of Lappeenranta, Luumäki, Kouvola, and Loviisa. The exact area demarcation is In the decision of the Finnish Food Authority (10.9.2026) and on the map. 

Restrictions on the use of wild boar products in the additional restricted zone

Hunting wild boars is permitted and recommended in the additional restricted zone. Hunters must ensure that ASF samples from each hunted wild boar are submitted to the Finnish Food Authority's laboratory for examination.

The movement of wild boar carcasses, fresh meat, meat products and all other products derived from wild boars within or outside the additional restricted zone is prohibited. However, the meat may be used for the hunter's private home use after a negative ASF test result has been completed. 

Wild boars hunted in the additional restriction zone that are not used for the hunter's private household must be destroyed in accordance with the instructions of the Finnish Food Authority.

Live pigs may not be moved abroad from the additional restriction zone.

It is prohibited to move live pigs outside Finland from the additional restriction zone. There are no restrictions on internal movements within Finland.

Pig holdings located in the additional restricted zone must ensure that direct and indirect contact between pigs kept in the area and wild boars is effectively prevented. In addition, there are requirements for persons visiting the holdings to wear protective clothing and footwear, as well as hand washing and disinfection.

Changes to hunting and dog walking in the infected zone

In the infection zone, excluding the core area, the following hunting will be permitted in the future:

• Trap and trap hunting of small game
• Cormorant and seal hunting
• Protective hunting of white-tailed deer
• Deer stalking in the fields
• All hunting in the sea areas of the infected zone and on islands and islets located in the sea areas

 There are the following restrictions on dogs being kept loose in the infection zone:

• It is prohibited to keep dogs that chase and chase game, that bark to indicate game, and that stop game on their own. The ban also applies to training situations.
• It is prohibited to keep other dogs loose unless the dog can be immediately leashed.
• Walking dogs outside is still prohibited in the core area, except on the road, on a leash.
• The confinement restrictions do not apply to dogs being kept loose in fenced dog parks or in the sea areas of the infection zone, as well as on islands and islets located in sea areas.
• The restrictions do not apply to dogs used in official duties or in big game hunting.