Information regarding various diseases that may affect the animals at Eriksberg

Here you can find information about various diseases that may impact the animals at Eriksberg. A crucial measure to prevent infection is that no outside food may be brought into the park. All food/snacks served within the animal park must be through Eriksberg's restaurants.

Foot-and-mouth disease

Foot-and-mouth disease is extremely contagious. The infectious agent can spread via air over several kilometers. Infected animals excrete the virus through all types of secretions, including from blisters, saliva, milk, and dung.

Infected animals shed the virus even before symptoms appear and also after recovery. Animals that are not susceptible can carry the virus in their throat, on their fur, under hooves and paws, mechanically transporting the virus over long distances.

Humans can carry the virus in their throat, hair, clothing, and shoes. Vehicles, transport trucks, and equipment can also spread the virus indirectly.

The virus can also be transmitted through meat and meat products, milk and dairy products provided to pigs and other susceptible animals. It is prohibited to feed susceptible animals with food waste containing animal content.

How long does the virus survive?

In humans, the virus can survive in the throat and nasal cavity for over 24 hours. The virus can survive for weeks in bedding, hay, and manure, and in food like meat and dairy products. In frozen food, it can survive for several years.

Which animals can be infected?

Cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and buffalo are sensitive to foot-and-mouth disease virus. Elk, deer, other cervids, camelids, elephants, and hedgehogs can also be affected.

Can humans contract foot-and-mouth disease?

No, they cannot.

Can I eat meat and drink milk from countries experiencing an outbreak?

Yes, you can.

Is it safe to travel to countries experiencing an outbreak?

Yes, but if you have been in the area where the infected facility is located and have been in contact with cloven-hoofed animals or untreated products from cloven-hoofed animals, you should avoid direct contact with cloven-hoofed animals for at least 5 days after returning to Sweden and wash your clothes and shoes.

Can I bring food from affected areas to Sweden?

When returning to Sweden from a country with foot-and-mouth disease, it is prohibited to bring untreated meat and dairy products and other untreated products from cloven-hoofed animals.

For more information, see the links and distribution map below: Update on Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the EU Foot-and-Mouth Disease Information

https://www.sva.se/aktuellt/nyheter/webbnyheter/uppdatering-mul-och-kloevsjuka-i-eu/

https://www.sva.se/djurhaelsa/djursjukdomar-a-oe/sjukdomar/mul-och-kloevsjuka

African swine fever

African swine fever does not transmit from animals to humans but occurs through direct contact between animals. However, animals can also be infected through humans, transport trucks, and equipment that have been in contact with infected material.

The risk of African swine fever transmission is heightened through contaminated pork, making waste with such content the highest risk. Cold-smoked sausages and other processed meats pose the greatest threat to Eriksberg.

The disease is widespread in Europe. Considering ferry connections to Poland and the Baltic countries, Blekinge is considered one of Sweden's highest-risk areas. The nearest countries affected include Poland, Germany, and the Baltic nations.

Bluetongue virus

This virus began spreading in Sweden in 2024. It mainly affects mouflon sheep and European bison. Bluetongue virus is spread by midges. For more information, see the link below: Bluetongue Disease Status with Map

https://www.sva.se/djurhaelsa/djursjukdomar-a-oe/sjukdomar/blaatunga/blaatunga-smittlaege-med-karta

Contact Information

Per-Arne Olsson, CEO of Eriksberg Destinationsutveckling AB Phone: +46 (0) 73-367 90 52