In connection with the extraordinary situation in Poland (the occurrence of ASF cases among wild boars in several voivodeships), last year, on the orders of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, measures were taken to limit the migration of wild boars—which is a source of the spread of the ASF virus—to areas free of the disease. General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways:
This can be achieved in the shortest practical time, among other means, by closing animal crossings along roads. The fencing was installed for an indefinite period and will be dismantled when veterinary services determine that all ASF outbreaks and cases of infection have been completely eliminated, which will also entail lifting the red and yellow zones where the virus occurs. So-called wildlife passages have been installed for small animals—predators—to allow them to migrate.
The road operator adds:
Unfortunately, for a long time we have been recording numerous acts of vandalism involving the destruction of installed fencing. The damage consists of bending steel posts and destroying (bending) forest-type steel mesh.
Who is destroying the fences?
Road workers: “There are reasonable grounds to suspect that the damage is being caused by local residents who, wanting to get from one side of the motorway to the other, use the animal crossings to do so.”
What are the losses?
The costs of repairing and replacing damaged elements in Lower Silesia are high and have so far cost the State Treasury more than 70,000 zlotys. GDDKiA: “Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that the cost of destroying the fencing may be incomparable with the consequences that could result from the spread of ASF.”
The road operator appeals to everyone walking near the fencing: “Do not vandalize wildlife crossings or the installed fencing.” These structures are not intended for people; they are meant to slow the migration of wild animals. Every such act of property destruction is a crime and is reported to the police. We also wish to make residents aware that the installed fencing is intended to protect their pig herds from the effects of ASF.