The Swedish Veterinary Institute confirmed Wednesday that African swine fever has been detected in a sample from a dead wild boar found just southeast of Fagersta. This is the country's first case and officials says it is not clear how the infection came to Sweden.

Since Aug. 25, seven wild boars have been found dead within a limited area in the Fagerstat district. Samples from another wild boar are on their way to SVA and authorities are now working intensively to locate, limit and fight the infection.

One of the first measures will be working together with the hunting organizations to find out how large an area has been affected. This is done by searching for dead wild boar in combination with knowledge of the wild boar's home ranges. Within the affected area, all access will initially be prohibited.

"At present, we do not know how the infection got in, but it is a long jump from the nearest infected area in Europe, and we therefore assume that it has happened through humans and not wild boar. There is currently an extensive spread of infection in Europe. There are countries that have succeeded in eradicating the disease and that is our national goal," says Karl Ståhl at SVA. 

Pig keepers are asked to review their biosecurity and contact a veterinarian at signs of illness or increased mortality.