African Swine Fever in Wild Boar: German Hunters’ Perception of Surveillance and Control—A Questionnaire Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Effective control of African swine fever in wild boar relies on cooperation with hunters, who are involved in the local implementation of surveillance and control measures. This study focused on understanding German hunters’ perceptions of different control measures and factors that influence compliance. Measures that hindered hunting were generally considered ineffective. Some measures were seen as controversial as they were seen as contrary to fair hunting practices. Effective communication and raising awareness are recommended to improve compliance with controversial measures. This study also highlighted the need to address hunters’ concerns and provide adequate compensation to maintain their motivation to participate in ASF control efforts. Among others, financial incentives and reduced bureaucracy were identified as motivating factors. ABSTRACT: Since the first occurrence of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar in Germany in 2020, the disease has primarily affected the wild boar population in the eastern part of the country close to the border with Poland. Local hunters play a crucial role in implementing surveillance and control. To evaluate their perceptions of existing control measures and analyze regional differences between hunters from ASF-affected and non-affected regions, a questionnaire study was conducted among the German hunting community. Hunters from non-affected areas held a more optimistic view regarding the effectiveness of control measures compared to hunters from affected areas. However, control measures that hinder hunting were generally perceived as ineffective. Measures that collided with hunters’ understanding of fair hunting practices were regarded as controversial. Financial incentives and reducing bureaucracy were the most favored approaches to increase hunters’ participation. Moreover, the possibility of eating or selling the meat of hunted wild boar and the provision of infrastructure for implementing ASF control were considered motivating. Thus, this study highlights the importance of compensating hunters and addressing their concerns to maintain their engagement in ASF control. To enhance compliance with controversial measures, thoughtful communication and raising awareness are essential.