Hunters in Estonia have started using drones to prevent the spread of African swine fever in domestic pig herds with new techniques, writes ERR News.
One of the five drones purchased by the Climate Ministry has ended up with hunters in Rapla County, where experienced hunter Ergo Viil recently learned how to fly it after more than 40 years of hunting. He said the drone is a valuable tool for finding wild boars and planning hunts – flying over fields, you can clearly see where the wild boars have been, find the best hunting spots and places to place hunting towers.
The drones are equipped with thermal cameras and can zoom in significantly,
and Vils said they can be used to both locate and identify animals from the air.
There have been no cases of African swine fever in domestic pig herds in Estonia this year, but more than 100 wild boars infected with the disease have been found in the wild. Gerlin Järvela, head of the animal health department at the Estonian Agriculture and Food Board, said authorities have stepped up biosecurity measures while expanding cooperation with hunters. Pig farmers can even request drone inspections near their farms. Järvela said wild boars need to be kept away from domestic pig pens, as the risk is extremely high if wild animals are around them.
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