Experience nature - and protect it together

The Sauerland is a region to take a deep breath, discover and enjoy - for all those who are out and about. To keep it that way, it is important to pay attention to what you don't always see at first glance. This currently concerns an issue that is preoccupying many regions in Germany: African swine fever (ASF). It has now also been detected in wild boars in the Olpe and Siegen-Wittgenstein districts.

The virus is harmless to humans and is not transmitted to people or pets such as dogs, cats or horses.

Unfortunately, the virus is highly contagious for wild and domestic pigs. For this reason, a so-called "infected zone" has been defined and marked in affected areas. There are two areas in this zone that serve as buffer zones, so to speak, in which special attention must be paid. Special rules apply there for visitors, animal owners and the hunting industry.

An overview of the respective zones can be found here: https: //t1p.de/papp3

Hiking, walking and cycling on the marked trails is of course still permitted in the Sauerland forests.

A special note for people who want to look for mushrooms and berries in the forest and countryside: Entering the forest away from the hiking trails is prohibited in the so-called restricted zone II!

With a few simple rules of conduct, we can ALL help to prevent the further spread of African swine fever in the Sauerland - without sacrificing the experience of nature.

Thank you for helping to protect our landscape, wildlife and regional agriculture.

Rules of conduct for all of us in the area ofthe exclusion zone II:

• Stay on the marked paths!
  Please only enter forests and open landscapes on official hiking or traffic routes. In this way you will avoid unwanted contact and actively support the protection against epidemics.

• Do not touch wild animals or animal carcasses!
  If you discover a dead wild boar, please report the discovery immediately to the veterinary office in the Olpe district:(asp@kreis-olpe.de orcall 02761 81-899)

• Dogs on a lead please!
  Dogs are not allowed to run free in the infected zone - not even in forests or meadows. This helps to prevent the virus from spreading unnoticed via paws or fur.

• Do not leave food scraps in the wild!
  Leftover food attracts wild boar and increases the risk of the virus spreading. Please take your garbage back with you!

In some areas you will come across a new fence and gates. The fence is intended to prevent potentially infected pigs from wandering. Gates have been erected where the fence meets paths. Please take care to close these gates behind you.