Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

African swine fever will not affect Barum rally

23. 7. 2017 - Jakub Hofbauer

One of the most topical issues covered in Czech media has been recently African swine fever (ASF) and there were rumours that Barum rally might be negatively affected by it. African swine fever has been detected in wild boars at the beginning of summer in the Zlín region and measures have been taken to prevent further spread of this disease.

The organisers of Barum Czech Rally Zlín see no reason to postpone rally or to make any changes in routes because of ASF. The Regional Veterinary Administration has not issued any restrictions for public in infected areas and all measures to eliminate ASF has been taken by agricultural community. 'Even though African swine fever was found in locations of this years' rally, these locations are not restricted for public. This is why we see no difference between mushroom pickers, who can wonder deep into the forest and come into contact with an affected wild boar much more easily than rally fans cheering by the roads. Also, it was not professional of concerned state organs not to inform us directly and we found out about the possibility of Barum rally being negatively affected by ASF from the media,' Miroslav Regner said, Clerk of the Barum Czech Rally Zlín.

Deputy of the statutory city of Zlín Ondřej Běták added: 'The article in question must be a work of an individual with a particular view on the matter. If Barum rally was to be postponed or cancelled because of ASF, it would also mean that the whole infected area would have to be closed to every human being, which is impossible. ASF cannot be taken lightly but it is not a reason for panic or sensational news. This fever needs to be eliminated but postponing let alone cancelling Barum rally will not ease the situation. We can ask ourselves whether current measures issued by the state administration are effective and right and if they are not, the right solution needs to be found, one that would not pose too much limitation on local population and at the same time would respect Barum rally, which is an important and key event for this region. The solution is not to cancel and wait for things to get better on their own, because that will not happen. And if the situation is that serious, people responsible for handling it should had informed the organisers of Barum rally weeks ago and worked with them on solution. Radical actions hardly ever pay off and the best way to manage this situation is to communicate with all concerned parties.'

African swine fever is a disease which affects wild boars and warthogs and it is not transmitted to people. Still, there are precautions that need to be kept in mind when you find a dead wild boar, for example after a car collision. In such case, keep at least 2 metres distance from the animal, do not touch it and immediately call the Regional Veterinary Administration (hot line: +420 720 995 201) or Fire Department (150) or Police (158) or City Police (156).