The family of wild boar spotted in Kerry that was subsequently culled. Picture: Radio KerryA family of wild boar that were shot by wildlife personnel amid fears they would spread disease to local pigs and pig farms, were free of all disease, tests have confirmed. Six of the animals were isolated in a field where silage was being cut, and they were shot by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) personnel. The Fianna legend of Diarmuid and Gráinne recounts how Diarmuid died after an attack by a large boar he was hunting in the Killarney area. “African swine fever (ASF) is a viral disease currently affecting the wild boar and domestic pig population in many European countries which can kill up to 100pc of animals affected,” the Department of Agriculture said.

Source: Irish Independent July 19, 2021 10:52 UTC