Finland confirms first ever ASF case in wild boar Virus detected near Russian border in eastern Finland31 July 2026 31 July 2026 1 minute read 1 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media EuropeFinland has detected African swine fever for the first time after laboratory tests confirmed the virus in a wild boar in eastern Finland, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the Finnish Food Authority issued on Thursday. The virus, which is harmless to humans but highly contagious and deadly in pigs, was found in the municipality of Virolahti in the country's east near the Russian border. At the beginning of January 2026, there were an estimated 2,380 wild boars in the country, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland. African swine fever has spread from Africa to Europe and Asia, causing major losses in pig populations, triggering trade restrictions and affecting global meat markets. Cases have been detected and prompted the culling of pigs in recent years across Europe in Croatia, Spain, Germany, Italy, Estonia, Hungary and Serbia.