Special debate on African swine fever

Daniel Bäckström (C)

Mr. Speaker! I would like to begin by thanking you for allowing us to have this important debate in the chamber today on an issue that concerns many different dimensions in our society.

African swine fever is a very serious viral disease. It affects both domestic pigs and wild boar and originates south of the Sahara. We have seen it spread significantly over time. It came to Europe in 2014, and now it is in Sweden. Since September 6, a total of 41 cases have been confirmed. An infected zone has been established.

The situation is very serious. In the long run, this can affect both Sweden's security of supply and the country's overall crisis preparedness. It affects agriculture, pig production, forestry and hunting, but also the rest of society. It is not least about issues of compensation when it concerns the situation of many contractors.

The Centre Party thanks for the opportunity to have this debate. We see that much needs to be done.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! I would like to begin by thanking you for the opportunity to discuss this issue not only in the Committee on Environment and Agriculture but also here in the Chamber. It gives us the opportunity to highlight the special situation that the outbreak of African swine fever has placed Sweden in.

African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic pigs and wild boar. The mortality rate is close to 100 percent. It is unclear how the infection has reached Sweden and how the wild boar have come into contact with the infection, but the human factor has likely played a role.

If the infection were to spread to other parts of Sweden, it is a major threat, not only to our pig farming but also to large parts of our food production and our trade. Therefore, Swedish authorities, in particular the National Veterinary Institute and the Swedish Board of Agriculture, have for several years worked on preparations for a conceivable infection. They quickly set up the crisis organization required to limit and combat the infection.

Belgium and the Czech Republic have succeeded in fighting the infection. We in Sweden use the models they have developed in our work to limit and hopefully eradicate the infection from our country. But it will take time. It has been a little more than three weeks since the first positive case. In Belgium, it took almost two years before the country was declared free of swine fever.

We shall learn from other countries. During the last week, we had a visit from three experts from other member states who, together with the EU Commission, were here to provide support and assistance. They praised our authorities for having acted entirely in accordance with the available knowledge in order to have the best chance of combating the disease.

Mr. Speaker! In the municipalities concerned, there is a zone of nearly 100,000 hectares with far-reaching restrictions. These are restrictions that need to be followed if we are to be able to eliminate the infection before it spreads. But at the same time, much anxiety and problems are being created in the local area.

On September 11, I visited Fagersta and made visits to several areas. I spoke with, among others, pig producers, forestry contractors, farmers, municipal representatives, agency officials, hunters, and forest owners. I am pleased to be able to state that people locally are rallying around the collective work. Every day, great and good efforts are being made in the restriction area to combat the infection. I want to thank everyone who has been involved and has pulled their weight.

The work is beginning to yield results. Jordbruksverket and SVA have identified what they call a core area, that is, the area within which the infection likely started. Being able to isolate the core area is a first step towards a swift return to a normal state in larger parts of the area. Therefore, the area shall eventually be delimited with fences and natural barriers to keep infected wild boar in and uninfected animals out. After that, the authorities may eventually have the opportunity to change restrictions outside the core area and allow certain activities.

With persistent and hard work at all levels and an engaged civil society, we can become completely free from the infection. We are on the right path.

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Sofia Skönnbrink (S)

Mr. Speaker! It is tough now – war in Europe, climate crisis, extreme weather, record-high food prices, and now the first outbreak of African swine fever in Sweden.

Our country has good preparedness to handle infectious animal diseases. And for several years, we have worked preventatively to avoid bringing African swine fever into Sweden. We have, among other things, controlled the import and export of pigs, and we have trained farmers and also monitored the wild boar population. It was therefore with great sadness that I learned the news that this terrible disease has reached our country.

Mr. Speaker! African swine fever is a very serious disease with a high mortality rate, almost 100 percent. If the disease spreads to domestic pig populations, it can therefore have very large consequences for our Swedish pig farmers and not least for our country's level of self-sufficiency. The disease also involves very great suffering for the animals affected.

There is no vaccine or cure. And the virus can survive for a very long time, both in dead carcasses and in non-heat-treated meat products. It is, in other words, a serious situation we find ourselves in.

Intense work is currently underway to ensure that the infection does not gain a foothold in Sweden. At present, an area that is almost as large as Öland is cordoned off, precisely to reduce the risk of the spread of infection.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture also plans, as the Minister for Rural Affairs mentioned, to fence off a core area where the dead wild boar have been found. This is done to prevent the infection from spreading further. Similar measures were taken in Belgium, which, through its early interventions, succeeded in removing the plague from its country.

Mr. Speaker! That type of cordoning off obviously entails very large restrictions for the people who live and work in the area. Agriculture, forestry, sports activities, and tourism are affected to a very high degree. It also concerns people's leisure time when they can no longer move freely in the forest and land that they are used to. I believe that many people in Västmanland are currently mourning that they cannot hunt, ride, walk, or pick berries and mushrooms in the forest that was previously so easily accessible.

Mr. Speaker! People feel great anxiety about what is going to happen and what measures will be taken. Therefore, it is important that we have this debate in the chamber today.

(Applause)

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Martin Kinnunen (SD)

Mr. Speaker! During many years in the Committee on Environment and Agriculture, I have annually had to listen to authorities and hear stories about preparedness work when it comes to African swine fever. And so it is when it concerns many different forms of threats to our country.

Mr. Speaker! On September 6, we entered a completely new phase when it was announced that the first confirmed case of African swine fever had hit Sweden. This primarily concerned Fagersta municipality, but also Norberg municipality. Within the larger zone, Sala municipality and Surahammar municipality are also affected. 100,000 hectares are counted as part of the infected zone today. It is an enormous burden for people and companies operating within that area. It is important that both municipalities and companies receive the support they need. The concern is, of course, great.

Mr. Speaker! Preparedness is now being put to the test, and for the time being, I must say that there is reason for optimism. One should not celebrate just yet, but the reports we have received so far from the authorities indicate good knowledge, good preparedness, and considerable optimism that the infection can be eradicated. SVA has spoken about it perhaps taking a year, even though those figures are very uncertain.

I also want to highlight in this context the Swedish Hunters' Association and the commitment it has shown in the work to combat the spread of infection. A large number of hunters stepped up on short notice in their own free time even before the decision on compensation was made. Many have said that they will not seek any such money at all.

Mr. Speaker! The infection is so far concentrated to a core area in Fagersta municipality, and it is now to be fenced off. My hope is that it can go quite quickly and that it will also create opportunities for landowners outside the fenced area to, within not too distant a future, receive approval for various forms of exemption procedures.

When it comes to how different companies and the association life are affected, much is still unclear. Hunters have been informed that they have a right to compensation. Agriculture has also been informed, even though I know they want even clearer ones. Much is not as clear as one would wish. The compensations are based on the epizootic law which regulates affected businesses' right to compensation, for example if a pig herd needs to be culled or buildings sanitized. But this is a piece of legislation that we have not used to any particularly large extent previously. It is therefore natural that much is unclear, and it may very well happen that politics must step in and do things if the legislation is not sufficient.

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John Widegren (M)

Mr. Speaker! Yes, so it arrived in Sweden, the African swine fever. For those of us who have followed the issue for many years, it is perhaps no great surprise that it has now reached Sweden. The surprise perhaps was rather about where it ended up when it arrived in Sweden.

We have for a long time worked on preparations to handle and receive the infection in a good way when it arrives. SVA has, together with relevant authorities, conducted exercises on a number of occasions. We have here from the political side pushed several times. I already in 2017 posed a written question to the then sitting Minister for Rural Affairs on how we will be able to handle African swine fever if it arrives.

So it was no surprise that it would come, but it finally came, and now we just hope that it is handled in the best possible way. We hope that the people involved can endure, just as we spoke about during covid – hold on and endure. It is the same thing that applies with African swine fever.

Mr. Speaker! As a Moderate, I do not like it when ownership and usage rights and human civil and political rights are restricted, but in this situation, they must be. This is a situation where they must be restricted. We assume, of course, that everyone who is restricted in their business activities and so on will receive the compensation they deserve, and that work is ongoing. We hope that all those who help with voluntary efforts also have the strength to do so all the way to the end.

If we do not manage to stop this now, we will face the really big problems. It is now we are being tested on whether we can handle the problem at an early stage, which will become incredibly important for Sweden's future preparedness and food supply and for the faith in the future in these areas.

(Applause)

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Andrea Andersson Tay (V)

Mr. Speaker! We all want to live secure lives where we can trust that society functions. We want to be able to trust that society can protect its citizens and solve the difficulties we face together. But over the past decades, Swedish society has been weakened step by step. Governments of different colors have sold out, privatized, and cut back. In area after area, public responsibility has been split up among a number of different actors who, moreover, often mostly look out for their own profits.

Our common society has been depleted step by step. In a time when we are hit by crisis after crisis - climate crisis, pandemic, economic crisis and energy crisis - it is clear that we must leave the weak, fragmented society behind us.

We have long known that in the wake of the climate crisis we will be hit by new infections that have not previously occurred in Sweden. One might think that the government should have been a bit more forward-looking than to withdraw the funds for development research that, among other things, have gone towards studying African swine fever. It is money that has provided us with the knowledge of the disease that was needed to be able to combat it.

Now, African swine fever has indeed made its entry into Sweden. It is ravaging the forests outside Fagersta and Norberg, and there, large-scale efforts are needed to quickly and safely neutralize the infection. What is also important is to provide support to the farmers and foresters in the area who are affected.

It is absolutely crucial that the public sector can quickly provide the resources that are needed. For this to work, we cannot, as the government and SD want, adopt a budget that involves large cuts in municipalities and regions and in agencies. We are facing a time when the public sector needs to have muscles to protect the citizens and make society function. We are facing a time when we must build the common good very strongly in order to be able to solve the crises we are faced with.

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Daniel Bäckström (C)

Mr. Speaker! It is extensive with 41 confirmed cases of African swine fever. In the short term, the authorities have handled the situation well. In the longer term, the uncertainty is great. The concern is also great among many residents and those operating within this large area.

Mr. Speaker! The crisis has many and complex dimensions. It is a serious situation. For many people, the situation is now uncertain, and it can quickly develop into a full-scale national crisis. An entire industry is at risk, and given the large proportion of the consumed pork that is actually produced in Sweden, it has major consequences for our supply capacity. It also affects, and says a great deal about, our practical preparedness.

We in the Center Party appeal to the government to take the initiative for broad political discussions on this issue in light of the fact that it concerns basic everyday preparedness. It is also about taking measures that have long-term viability and that can have an impact in the long run. We also want to see the government's concrete action plan for how this will be handled a bit further ahead.

I have also visited the area. I was, among other things, in Sala and met triple or quadruple-hit agricultural entrepreneurs who had large amounts of water on their fields and could not harvest their crops. Not being able to deliver their harvest or perform their harvest then, and the large economic consequences it has for individual agricultural entrepreneurs, are very large issues to handle.

And it is not just about that. It is also about the straw, which must be available in the future. It is about the forest, which an individual farmer cannot harvest to make up for lacking revenues. The contractors in the area within the forestry industry are requesting answers from the state on precisely the issue of compensation. When will the decision come, and what will the compensation decision mean for the industry? This will have very large consequences. Is it so that it will extend not just for one year but for several—one can add the economic consequences for agriculture, forestry, and other industries in the affected municipalities. It is also important to see the municipalities' aspects and the County Administrative Board's central role in producing consequence descriptions and scenario analyses and including compensations for community life and other things.

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Emma Nohrén (MP)

Mr. Speaker! I remember when I first heard about African swine fever. It was nine years ago in the Committee on Environment and Agriculture before an agricultural and fisheries council. The then Minister for Rural Affairs, Sven-Erik Bucht, was present. At the bottom of the documents under other matters, it stated something about a notification from some country – I do not remember which – that had received African swine fever and wanted to bring it up at the meeting.

Since then, the question has been when – not if – the African swine fever would come here to Sweden. For some weeks now, it is a fact. Large areas are cordoned off, as we have heard, and the restrictions on people's lives and daily routines are significant. This involves great sacrifices for the people living in these areas – sacrifices that they must make so that this does not spread further and have greater consequences.

Sweden has, as has been said earlier here in the debate, worked on this for a long time and has been well prepared. I think that both SVA and Jordbruksverket have been exemplary in acting quickly and effectively. We have had great exchange with other countries since many years back and have learned from each other. I was myself together with the committee in Latvia. We had had a one-hour meeting with their equivalent to SVA and Jordbruksverket about exactly African swine fever on the same day that this "flash" arrived. It was only an hour later.

But despite all the knowledge and all the preparations, several questions remain that both the public and I wonder about. In this time, when we know that infectious diseases are something that follows in the wake of climate changes, the government chooses to pursue a policy that increases emissions rather than reduces them. The government has also signaled a reduction of the Jordbruksverket's framework grants and halved the appropriation for combating infectious diseases. To that should be added what a previous speaker took up regarding a reduced appropriation for development research, which also affects these exchanges and the research on African swine fever. But it lies on the government's table.

Some other things I believe we can all perhaps solve together. We need to know, for example, what the actual situation is with waste facilities and the rules for them. We have heard that there are over 20 municipalities that have had wild boar that have been inside and rooting. It is a municipal matter. Do the guidelines need to be reviewed here? We believe that is where the infection comes from. When it comes to the question of compensation to agriculture and farming, we know that it is the epizootic law that applies. But what applies, for example, for planned competitions, reduced extraction from the forest, and other things? Will we need to reduce the population of wild boar, and in what way? How are we to reduce the spread that occurs through people who are in the fields? We will return to this.

(Applause)

In this speech, Jacob Risberg (MP) agreed.

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Elin Nilsson (L)

Mr. Speaker! When the news came that African swine fever had been detected, many of us needed to stop and gather our thoughts. Even though we have long known that this was a possibility, it is only when something like this happens that one feels the gravity of the situation. How extensive is the spread? What does it mean? How will it affect us in our daily lives? For someone like me, who lives barely 15 miles from the location where the infection was detected, it is easy for thoughts to race away. What does it mean for the possibility of spending time in nature? What happens to hunting and forestry? How will it go for agriculture, pork production, and community life? Will the right of public access be put out of play?

Mr. Speaker! Much of what I have just enumerated is crucial for life in the countryside to function. For many, it is actually the very basis for choosing a life outside the cities. These are great values at stake, both economic and spiritual. The restrictions that were introduced with all rights have affected all of this. If a larger outbreak were to occur, in the long run, jobs and Swedish competitiveness are threatened.

As it seems, the measures taken are having an effect. The preparedness has been good. The machinery has functioned as it should. It feels hopeful. Jägare's work has already been highlighted here in the chamber today, and it deserves great attention. But we are not at the goal yet. A great measure of patience and perseverance will be required, both from the Jägarkår and from everyone who lives in the area.

Mr. Speaker! Finally, we can all help each other to prevent new outbreaks. Do not leave food scraps in the forest! Report dead animals! Take responsibility! It is good for all of us.

(Applause)

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! This is the first case of African swine fever in Sweden. It is the first time that our authorities will have to work with the disease control measures that they, together with the industry and other actors, have practiced for many years. It is also the first occasion that the legislation, the epizootic diseases act, which regulates compensation for this type of incident, shall be tested for precisely this scenario with African swine fever.

According to the epizootic diseases act, those who suffer production loss or loss of income due to regulations or decisions during an outbreak of a disease of this kind have the possibility of compensation. In the normal case when compensations are paid out according to this act, it might involve a farm with an infected livestock herd. But the African swine fever and the restrictions it has led to have not only affected animal owners. It also affects, for example, forestry companies, farmers among others. Therefore, our authorities are currently investigating who is entitled to compensation and how it is ensured that the compensations paid out do not conflict with other legislation, primarily the EU's state aid rules.

As a minister, I can and may not interfere in how an agency interprets a piece of legislation, but I am naturally concerned that it is done correctly. I know that the Swedish Board of Agriculture is working hard on the analysis issue regarding compensations, and I naturally follow this work very closely.

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Sofia Skönnbrink (S)

Mr. Speaker! I thank Peter Kullgren for his speech.

When I review the autumn budget, I react to the fact that the government will not increase the appropriations for combating infectious diseases for the coming year. Instead, these appropriations will be reduced by 178 million kronor between the years 2023 and 2024. This year, the government chose to increase the appropriations by 103.5 million kronor, but according to what appears in the budget text, it was to pay for previous salmonella outbreaks. Nowhere in the text is the African swine fever mentioned.

My question to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren is therefore: Why is the government not increasing the appropriations for 2024 when we know how costly this type of outbreak is? I would also like to know a bit more about what the preparedness to handle the African swine fever looks like moving forward.

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Mr. Speaker! The appropriation is 1:6 Combating infectious animal diseases, which falls under expenditure area 23 Animal resources, countryside and food. There is a base there every year which in recent years has needed to be increased due to various outbreaks of salmonella, avian influenza and so on. Changes to the appropriation can be made in supplementary budgets, most commonly in the autumn and spring. Here it will be in the spring supplementary budget.

There are years when we have not had such large and costly outbreaks, and in those years, the entire appropriation has not needed to be used. I have great confidence in our authorities regarding the plans forward and that they act based on the experiences we gain from this first outbreak of African swine fever.

We can only hope that there won't be more, but if it happens again, it is obvious that we will take the experiences with us and be even better prepared for future outbreaks. Then we shall have, if possible, an even better and more efficient fight against African swine fever in Sweden.

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Sofia Skönnbrink (S)

Madam Speaker! It is clear that there can be different years from year. But what we know is that we have just had, or have, an outbreak of African swine fever.

Therefore, it would have been good if the appropriations had been increased. If there are after-effects - which we hope will not be the case - more funds will be needed during the coming years.

One thing that the Minister himself touched upon in his speech just now is this regarding other industries and operators who are not covered by the epizootic law regarding compensation. It is not clarified who will be entitled to compensation and who will not in connection with the outbreak. This includes, among other things, forestry because logging, thinning, planting and other activities will not be permitted within the cordoned-off zone.

As I understand it, the Swedish Board of Agriculture is currently investigating the question of who should be entitled to compensation and who should not. But it would be very good if the Minister for Rural Affairs could explain a little bit about how the work is progressing and when a proposal is expected to be in place.

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! I think it is important that we, as public figures in one way or another, keep our mouths very carefully shut when we talk about this so that we do not create further anxiety in an already strained situation.

The Zoonosis Act is very clear. It is legislation that provides the possibility of compensation to those who are directly affected by the authorities' decisions. It is clear that this right takes precedence over whether a budget appropriation runs out or not. That is when we make supplementary budgets.

It has occurred in the media discussion that different politicians have been out talking about this in a way that has caused pig farmers to subsequently contact me with a concern that they will not receive compensation. That is something that is, of course, completely incorrect. There, we have a responsibility not to spread more anxiety than what already exists in these areas.

(Applause)

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Daniel Bäckström (C)

Madam Speaker! I also have questions for the Minister for Rural Affairs based on the presentation regarding the assignment given to the Swedish Board of Agriculture. I assume, and also proceed from the premise, that the entire Government Offices also have an ongoing process regarding these issues and are conducting preparatory work concerning the continuation.

This concerns the compensation issues. I want to join previous questioners with the question of when this will be presented. Time is passing quickly, and even though it is about approximately three weeks back in time, we can quickly count forward and see that we are soon entering a winter period. These are major issues linked to the values at stake for individual businesses, livestock keepers, and also landowners in different ways.

I also wonder, Minister for Rural Affairs, how much money has been used so far for the measures. And how much remains linked to the responsibilities that have been given? The last question is: What does the preparedness look like if the scenarios were that the infection spreads? What measures are being taken now to prepare Sweden for that?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! I will begin with the compensation issue, so we can see what I have time for.

The epizootic law is, as stated, clear. When it is used for livestock holdings - it could be a poultry holding that gets salmonella or avian influenza or a pig holding - it is crystal clear. We are not unfamiliar with handling the legislation in these instances. Therefore, it would be unfortunate if we have a discussion where we make these people more worried. I really do not want that. That is clear.

But we are not used to it potentially becoming such large values as it does when we talk about forest. Then we have other regulatory frameworks that come into play, for example, the EU's state aid rules. We must ensure that we handle those in the right way.

I have in several interviews and elsewhere said that it is clear that we at the Government Offices have a high state of readiness to make decisions, if such should be needed, if the legislation and the regulatory framework that we have are not sufficient.

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Daniel Bäckström (C)

Madam Speaker! I have still not heard any announcement from the Minister regarding when the investigation assignment or the work will be reported from the authority and from the government's side.

It is also about what the preparedness at the Government Offices looks like if the infection spreads.

Communication in these matters is extremely important given that there is such great anxiety and uncertainty among people who are affected in this very large area, and obviously also in adjacent areas.

I wish to hear an answer from the Minister regarding when in time this will be reported and what the assignment to come with proposals for measures actually looks like. There are many who are standing and waiting and who will continue to wait during the time when this is being developed. The concern is very great, not least when it concerns the economic conditions.

Madam Speaker! It is also important to hear how the Minister intends to follow up on what concerns the total for the preparedness, given that the infection can spread very quickly over time.

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! The answer to the question of when is: as soon as possible. That is the wish, and that is what the Swedish Board of Agriculture says. But I am also keen that it becomes correct. We shall not produce a regulatory framework or give notice to those affected that we then need to revoke in some way. It shall go fast, but the result must also be correct and proper.

It is also important to point out that there are already clear guidelines on the Swedish Board of Agriculture's website, where I know that the vast majority of those affected are accustomed to turning. Regarding the 56 domestic pigs that unfortunately had to be culled, the affected operations know that they receive compensation. One also receives compensation according to the epizootic diseases act for the production loss that one potentially incurs during the time that the restrictions remain in place.

So, some parts are already crystal clear, and for others we need to wait a bit so that we can have them properly investigated.

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Emma Nohrén (MP)

Madam Speaker and Minister for Rural Affairs! I think it is important that we have this debate now. There are many who are worried out there, partly those who are affected, and partly those who are nearby.

I am going on moose hunting myself in just a couple of weeks. It is eight miles as the crow flies from this area, and we are in the process of developing guidelines for how we should proceed. At the same time, there are some different things being said, and there are many who understand themselves – if I may say so – in different ways.

How can the government ensure that clear guidelines are issued so that it is known what needs to be handled? There are many who move in forests and fields. Many travel. Common to the infection is that until now it has almost always been humans who have spread it from one place to another.

Will there be new guidelines for those who are going out to hunt moose, for example, this autumn? And how will it be for those travelers who come from other countries and perhaps have been out hiking and other things?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you very much, Emma Nohrén, for the question!

This is very important. Together we can ensure that we get out of this situation, but then everyone who is near or stays in the forest and land in this area must also take a very, very great personal responsibility.

I also want to take the opportunity to praise the information on the authorities' websites, where it is clear and distinct how one should behave when one has been in the forest and wilderness and is leaving from there. Also, the various hunting associations that organize the vast majority of hunters in Sweden have issued very clear communication regarding this. If one follows the authorities' guidelines, which have also been picked up by the hunting organizations, one can hunt in the forest and wilderness with confidence. This naturally does not apply in the restriction area.

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Emma Nohrén (MP)

Madam Speaker! We hope that it will also come out in such a way that people take part in it. Now the interest is great, but it must also endure over time.

There are other things that occur. Already this summer, during the large-scale defense exercise, articles were written about the fear that defense materiel would carry infections. With a NATO membership, there will probably be more terrain vehicles out in the woods and fields. Is the defense aware of this? How do we ensure that the different operations do not spread the infection, if we are to practice with more countries?

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! It is an important aspect, whether it is the Armed Forces out in the field or a farmer. If one has been in an infected country or such an area, there are strict rules for how one should take care of one's materiel and one's equipment, one's shoes, one's machines, and everything else it may be. If one follows them, there should be no danger.

The Jägarkåren has long received information stating that if you have been in a country where this has existed, it is important that you wash your shoes and maintain your equipment. That information and the rules that exist naturally apply to everyone, even for defense exercises.

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Sofia Skönnbrink (S)

Madam Speaker! The Minister for Rural Affairs speaks of concern. But what should create concern is halving the appropriations for infectious animal diseases in the middle of an ongoing crisis. To demand answers regarding compensation for forestry and agriculture and the losses that people have encountered should be about creating security.

"Like the devil has come to Västmanland." That is how pig farmer Marit describes the situation. Her farm with 5,000 pigs is located just outside the cordoned-off area, and if the infection reaches her animals, it will have enormous consequences. So far, the infection has not entered any larger domestic pig herds, for which we can be very grateful. On the other hand, about fifty pigs have had to be culled as part of an effort to reduce the spread of the infection. For these pig owners, it is of course a great loss, even if it does not sound like that much.

Madam Speaker! Yesterday I spoke with Lars, who is one of all the 500 hunters who in their spare time are now involved and working actively to combat the African swine fever. It is not possible to mention enough times how important the hunting corps is in this work. Before I continue, I therefore want to extend a big, big thank you for their efforts!

Lars described that it is important to quickly erect the fence that the Minister for Rural Affairs mentioned around this designated core area to contain the infection. It is also a prerequisite for being able to subsequently begin culling the wild boar that remain in the area.

There is no doubt that we all in here want the same thing, and that is to eradicate the African swine fever so that life can return to normal for all the people who live and work in Västmanland. Let us now do everything we can to create the very best conditions to accomplish this mission together, both in the short and in the long term.

(Applause)

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Martin Kinnunen (SD)

Madam Speaker! After having listened to the different parties here today, I note that there is a fairly broad consensus and a great confidence in the authorities and their preparedness and work. No one has any criticism so far. There is also a great gratitude towards the hunting corps and a great awareness of the seriousness of the issue.

Madam Speaker! At the same time, there are uncertainties regarding compensations. Who is entitled to compensation? When will the regulations arrive? We have the administrative policy model in Sweden; we must wait for the authorities. It is obvious that today it is too early to be able to point out obvious deficiencies. It is too early to demand measures from the government and the Riksdag. Hopefully, we do not need this, but everything flows along fantastically well.

Probably that is why, Madam Speaker, the opposition is busy mentioning things such as budget funds. I can assure all parties that the Sweden Democrats will guaranteed work to ensure that the budget funds needed to secure compensations are available. I have no doubt that the government is also on that line. There will be no uncertainty there, as the Sweden Democrats see it in any case.

We hear talk about the aid budget, where we can observe that aid today is not used for research in the same way. 2 percent has disappeared. But all research that is conducted on swine fever is still being conducted, and if one wants to research swine fever in the future, one will also be able to apply for such grants.

Demands are put forward for general discussions, which probably stems from the fact that one does not know exactly what to speak about because we do not yet know which problems need to be solved. But we may certainly need to return to that later.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Daniel Bäckström (C)

Madam Speaker! It is striking to hear that we do not know which problems are to be solved. In that case, my question to the Sverigedemokraterna representative in this important debate, Martin Kinnunen, is: What is Sverigedemokraterna's objective regarding when a decision will be reached on the compensation issue for all these affected business operators? We meet both forestry contractors, agricultural entrepreneurs, association people, municipalities, and others affected within very large areas. They are currently sitting with many unanswered questions and are turning specifically to the government and also to Sverigedemokraterna, which has a responsibility for not least the budget but also other work linked to agreements regarding preparedness.

What is the time perspective from the Sweden Democrats' side? When will the decision be announced, and what measures will be taken in the longer term?

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Martin Kinnunen (SD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Daniel Bäckström, for the question!

I believe there is a broad consensus here in the chamber regarding the answer to that question as well: We would have wanted that notification on the same day the outbreak occurred.

I do not know exactly how many days Daniel Bäckström considers it will take for the authorities to produce the regulatory framework. I honestly do not know how much time is needed, because I do not know exactly how complicated this is.

The question, then, is how many days it would have taken if the Center Party had been sitting and managing the department.

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Daniel Bäckström (C)

Madam Speaker! It is a very interesting question. We can state that a coalition partner, which is also a prerequisite for the parliamentary basis that the government is now to work from, does not have much of a grasp on what is required to achieve sufficient information or to develop strategies for what support and what compensations will need to be paid out to so many affected people in the future.

This is a part of the governance, and it is extremely important that the Sweden Democrats also do what is required to move forward in the issues regarding the spread of infection. It is not just about acting based on the short-term time aspect, but it is also about reporting how we handle this based on other scenarios. If the infection control does not succeed, many more affected people around the country will be impacted.

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Martin Kinnunen (SD)

Madam Speaker! I still did not receive an answer to the question of how many man-hours are required at the Swedish Board of Agriculture to develop the regulatory framework. To be honest, I do not know. The only thing I know is that we need the decision as quickly as possible, and it needs to be as good as possible so that it arrives as soon as possible.

What I can state is that there is a broad consensus that those affected should be compensated. That is the basis for the Sweden Democrats' commitment. We must have confidence in our authorities. If there are deficiencies, they must be addressed. If people and companies are affected, they must be compensated. If there is a lack of money in the budget, we must top it up. That is the message I have to give from the Sweden Democrats.

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John Widegren (M)

Madam Speaker! We find ourselves in the middle of this, and it may therefore seem strange to talk about the future. But I believe it is extremely important that we still talk about the future. Just as the previous speaker said, we are all in agreement regarding what we want with this outbreak, namely that people should suffer as little harm as possible. But we must also remember that the longer the outbreak continues, the focus may perhaps be lost, and that is when it becomes most dangerous, that is to say when people start to forget that there is African swine fever. I am not thinking of the people who live in the zone and are affected. The longer it goes on, the less discussion there will be. It is then that it is extra important that those who are affected get to know what applies, restrictions and so on. It is incredibly important to hold on.

Swedish pig production is, of course, directly affected. We already saw on day one that it started to creak in certain export agreements and so on. Some countries withdrew their purchases of Swedish pork. It is completely understandable; this is how it has looked all over the world when the outbreaks have occurred.

What worried me yesterday came to light when I spoke with a game buyer in Östergötland, who is still quite far from the area. He said that he has received return orders for all the wild boar he has procured for autumn and winter. What will that lead to? It might lead to that we shoot too few wild boar, if there is no outlet for the wild boar.

These signals are worrying. That is why the information effort is extra important, that is to say that it is not dangerous for restaurants to buy wild boar from Östergötland to eat.

It is extremely important that we get out of this in a good way for Swedish pig production and that the information efforts continue as long as there is actually a need.

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Sofia Skönnbrink (S)

Madam Speaker! I thank John Widegren for a good contribution. I know that Member John Widegren himself is a hunter, and as I mentioned in my speech, we are highly dependent on the hunters to carry out the work of searching for swine, hauling away carcasses, and gradually shooting those that are within the zone.

The question is how long the forces will be able to endure. The Minister for Rural Affairs pointed out that in Belgium it took two years before the plague disappeared completely. Now, the Swedish Board of Agriculture has decided on compensation of 300 kronor per hour for those who participate actively in the work and search through the infected zone. With or without compensation, I see it as challenging to achieve endurance in the long run. Therefore, I take the opportunity to ask a question when there is a representative for the government parties here. Has a plan to secure the staffing been discussed, apart from the idea of financial compensation?

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John Widegren (M)

Madam Speaker! I thank you for the question.

I cannot answer whether the discussions take place at the Government Offices or not. What we have seen from the hunting corps so far is fantastic. I can say directly that I am not surprised because the hunting corps functions that way, that is, one helps out when problems arise. There are so many situations where it has always been so.

That is why I think it was good that a quick decision was made regarding compensation to the hunting corps, since they performed the work in question at that time. I am not so worried that they will not remain as long as the work is required. The difficult part will be getting people to be away from work, but I believe there will be interested people for a long time. One prerequisite is then that compensation is paid to them for a long time.

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Sofia Skönnbrink (S)

Madam Speaker! I thank you for the answer.

I also wanted to raise a question, namely something that John Widegren himself mentioned. We do not want the infection to get into our domestic pig herds.

Our Swedish farmers' own infection control work is an important part, but in an extraordinary event, one must investigate which measures could be applied.

We have seen that African swine fever spreads via blood and feces. Therefore, we do not want the wild boar to move in the vicinity of our domestic pig herds. With the help of fences, they can be kept at an appropriate distance, including from feed and stables. What I have understood is that the measure has already been implemented within the infected zone. Would it be relevant for farms that are in close proximity to the zone, i.e., not for those located inside but for those located in close proximity to the zone?

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

John Widegren (M)

Madam Speaker! I thank you for the commitment to the pig producers. It is incredibly important. In a previous speech, reference was made to Marit, a good friend of mine. She and her husband are skilled pig farmers.

The preventive work that is constantly ongoing on Swedish pig farms is good and effective. There is a fear that infected pigs could arrive nearby, but there have previously been fears that animal rights activists could carry infections with them. There was a great concern during the MRSA debate once upon a time, namely that it was feared that activists could move between farms and carry infections with them.

I am convinced that the industry itself knows which measures need to be taken. If one is outside the area, one has de facto been outside the area. SVA is well the force that must shine most clearly if it is feared that the farms outside the border must take even more forceful measures, but I believe that it will work.

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Andrea Andersson Tay (V)

Madam Speaker! Great demands are now being placed on those who live within the affected area. All hunting and all forestry are prohibited. The residents cannot go out into the forest and enjoy forest walks or mushroom picking. Those who are used to going out into nature are now forbidden from doing so. In other words, the outbreak of infection has major consequences for all those who live within the infected zone.

We in Vänsterpartiet will closely monitor the government's actions in the matter so that the necessary resources are put in place to quickly resolve the crisis.

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Daniel Bäckström (C)

Madam Speaker! I will return to this matter of compensation, because it is somewhat special when the state introduces such large restrictions to handle this large, challenging problem without being able to present what will apply in the long run for the individual when it comes to compensation for activities affected by these restrictions. These are, in practice, major interventions for the individual business owner, and they are limitations within a very large area that will have socio-economic consequences during the time the restrictions are in effect.

Then the message from the government's representative is that they shall report this, or provide a response, as soon as possible. That is as far as we get today. What "as soon as possible" will mean, we will have to follow up on, and time will tell.

The extensive restrictions that we have heard several people highlight in this important debate are about not being able to cultivate one's forest, not being able to manage one's forest, and also not being able to handle the products one obtains from agriculture.

It is a large and extensive work being carried out, and much is being done very well. I also want to emphasize that, and I want to thank the authorities for the efforts they make. I also want to thank hunters and others who have not been mentioned, who make great voluntary efforts to reduce the spread of infection.

We need to focus on if the scenario worsens. If it becomes such that this spreads and other parts of the country are affected, major conditions can change rapidly for the gigantically important slaughter pig production in Sweden, but also for other business in the countryside.

I would like to thank you for the debate.

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! I believe I have tried to answer the Centre Party and Daniel Bäckström here that the Swedish Board of Agriculture, which is responsible for this legislation and shall interpret it, has announced - not only to me but to the entire Swedish people at numerous press conferences - that they are working on it as soon as possible. They have also continuously announced via their websites and other channels what applies regarding compensations.

Does the Center Party think the epizootic disease law needs to be changed, or how should I interpret what the Center Party is saying? Does one want stronger provisions in the epizootic disease law than that the one who is directly affected has the possibility of compensation? What is it that is problematic in this – apart from that we would all have liked to have it finished already before this outbreak occurred?

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Daniel Bäckström (C)

Madam Speaker! Thank you to the Minister for Rural Affairs for this opportunity to continue the conversation on these issues!

When we are out meeting business owners in this area and in our continuous contact with them, the constantly recurring question is this: When will we receive notification regarding compensation, and what types of compensation will be paid out?

The uncertainty and anxiety that exists among business owners needs an answer. In that case, "as soon as possible", which is as far as we can go today based on the answers given by the Minister for Rural Affairs, is not concrete enough.

Does it mean, as it can in other issues we debate, that it is a year forward that is as soon as possible one can report a mission? Then that is a very large consequence. We know nothing about the time perspective for when the decision will be given. It affects the planning conditions for an enormously large part of the business community in this region, including landowners, forest owners and agricultural entrepreneurs.

The legislation is in place. I understand that. We are looking to find out what kind of preparedness planning the government has.

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Daniel Bäckström, for that answer!

I actually think that one has a responsibility, even as an opposition party, to try to spread calm in such serious situations - not least the Center Party, which is a party that has broad support among Sweden's farmers. In that case, I can turn a bit against the fact that one has taken practically every chance one has had to create such uncertainty about what compensations there are entitled to. It does not benefit the matter. It does not reduce the anxiety for those whom I know we both protect.

The epizootic law is clear: Those who are directly affected by authorities' decisions that restrict their operations have the possibility of compensation.

Since this is a special situation. We need to examine state aid rules so that we do not make a mistake in this work and so that it becomes correct and clear decisions. But the decisions must come as quickly as possible, and I know that the Swedish Board of Agriculture is working every day to produce these decisions.

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Daniel Bäckström (C)

Madam Speaker! No, Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren, I am not here to spread either alarm or uncertainty. I am here to follow up on how the government is actually handling this extremely serious situation, to get answers from the government's representatives on how the continuation is planned and also to find out what the government's transition planning looks like.

What preparedness strategy does the government have to handle it if this spreads? I think those types of questions are relevant, because there are many even outside the affected area who carry an anxiety and need to get answers. I think it is right that we can contribute to that through an important debate in the Riksdag.

It is also right to highlight these important and central issues, which many business owners ask and feel they do not receive answers to. They want to know when they can expect an answer. Those are the types of questions one encounters, and they deserve an answer. Now we have received the answer from the government's representatives: "As soon as possible."

(Applause)

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Emma Nohrén (MP)

Madam Speaker! This is an incredibly important debate. Many issues have been raised here, and I understand the government's representatives - there are not answers to all questions just today.

At the same time, these are the questions we receive. The longer the answers are delayed, the more worry and rumors circulate. The faster we can together get clarity on these questions, the better it is for everyone.

Despite all the knowledge and all the preparations, it is as I said in my first speech that some questions remain. I mentioned some earlier, and we have heard several here when it comes to forestry and agriculture.

We have, for example, heard about a farm with a gene bank for Linderöd pigs, which has been culled. It is a terrible blow to the farmers - I cannot even imagine it - but also to the breeding work that is ongoing with this important landrace.

We also have the association life and all those people who work voluntarily. Scouts, riding clubs and orienteering clubs are now left without land to be on and do not know what to do. They have no income so they cannot say that they have a loss of income, but they cannot practice what they do. They also do not know what they should do, and how can they be replaced? It is something that I believe many wonder about and would gladly like to know more about.

The infection affects the entire society, and unfortunately, it is the residents and pet owners in this area who have to take the biggest hit and make restrictions and sacrifices so that it does not spread further. I hope that we as a society can compensate them.

(Applause)

In this speech, Jacob Risberg (MP) agreed.

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Elin Nilsson (L)

Madam Speaker! Much has been said here today. I thought I would take the opportunity in my final contribution to this debate to highlight the importance of knowledge, education, and international cooperation in this context. This is particularly important for a society's ability to meet and manage infectious diseases; we saw this, not least during the covid-19 pandemic. Knowledge is important so that we are well-equipped against misinformation, which spreads easily, and so that our authorities are well-equipped to manage future diseases with a high risk of transmission.

Ensuring that children and young people receive a good education strengthens society on many levels, so also when it comes to our preparedness to handle infectious diseases in the long run. Without teachers, doctors, and veterinarians - the list can be made long - we are less equipped for future challenges. And everything points to the fact that we will need to get used to handling pandemics and infectious diseases. Therefore, school is important to highlight even in the debate we are having here today.

Another important issue in this context is that we need to have good international cooperation. Much can be learned from the experiences of other countries in our neighboring region that have managed outbreaks of African swine fever for quite a long time now.

Madam Speaker! Infectious diseases know no national borders. International cooperation is of great importance for managing and combating outbreaks. Here, the EU has an important role to fill, and the EU has filled that role. The EU is also important in this context, because alone is not strong – alone is only lonely.

(Applause)

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Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)

Madam Speaker! It is today exactly three weeks since the first decision linked to the infection was made. Since then, very much has happened. The Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Swedish Board of Agriculture (SVA) quickly started their work in line with the preparations that have been undertaken over many years. The Hunter Corps (Jägarkåren) stepped up willingly to contribute to the search work, as did other parts of civil society, who did their part. Local entrepreneurs working in the green industries have supported each other and looked at how they can help each other by postponing invoices and contributing liquidity until the compensation issues are clarified.

Of course, one can wish that we had come even further in a long series of issues, but it is also important that it is done correctly from the start. To put in a little extra, perhaps even a little too much for a short period, is better than looking back with the infection spread throughout the country and wishing that one had done more.

I therefore want to conclude by turning to all those people whose lives are heavily affected by the restrictions resulting from the infection. Regardless of whether you are a private individual, a business owner, or involved in civil society organizations, the situation has imposed significant restrictions on the normal, and I ask for your patience. The sacrifice you are making now is important and makes a difference. Keep holding on and keep persevering!

I would like to thank all participants for a good debate.

(Applause)

The special debate was hereby concluded.

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