Finnish Defence Forces take risks related to African swine fever into account in their activities

The Finnish Defence Forces maintains readiness and carries out statutory duties under all circumstances. At the same time, disease risks and the necessary preventive measures are responsibly taken into account in all activities.

The Finnish Defence Forces continue to carry out their duties as normal within the African swine fever (ASF) restriction zone. However, the Defence Forces continuously assess risks in the operating environment and, when necessary, restrict, relocate or adapt training activities conducted within the restriction zone in order to prevent the risk of disease transmission. The Defence Forces comply with the restrictions imposed in the area and pay particular attention to biosecurity when operating within the restriction zone, including by cleaning equipment when leaving the area. The Defence Forces previously suspended exercises within the restriction zone and relocated them to other training areas. As the restriction zone has expanded, relocating training activities is no longer possible.

The Finnish Defence Forces are not currently preparing to use conscripts in tasks related to the control of African swine fever. The control of animal diseases is the responsibility of other competent authorities. The Defence Forces carefully assess all potential requests for executive assistance on a case-by-case basis.

The Finnish Defence Forces continuously develop their biosecurity procedures. For example, training for biosecurity inspectors was launched as a pilot programme in spring 2025. Those who complete the training acquire the capabilities required to perform biosecurity duties related to international military activities, such as inspecting the cleanliness of equipment and issuing certificates of cleanliness.

"The Finnish Defence Forces take biosecurity seriously and have extensive expertise in this field. Biosecurity is comprehensively taken into account in all Defence Forces activities. Measures include biosecurity guidelines and inspections, monitoring the disease situation, and supervising food safety," says Brigadier General Sami-Antti Takamaa, Chief of Training at Defence Command Finland.

In connection with military transports and movements of equipment, as well as the storage of materiel belonging to Allied forces, biosecurity measures ensure that plant or animal diseases, invasive alien species or pests are not transported with the materiel. Biosecurity measures are determined on the basis of a case-specific risk assessment, depending on the area in which the equipment has been used. Based on this assessment, it is determined, for example, whether incoming equipment requires disinfection or whether washing with water and cleaning are sufficient.