In September 2023, WeHunt played a crucial role in aiding the Swedish government’s efforts to combat an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) near Fagersta. Faced with the task of searching a 1000 square kilometer area for wild boar carcasses, WeHunt’s highly adopted digital mapping feature was essential in efficiently tracking and documenting searched areas and carcass finds.
This effort involved collaboration with government agencies, the Swedish Hunters’ Association, and WeHunt. When the first ASF case was confirmed, the Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA) quickly assembled a team of experts. Initially, hunters used paper maps and screenshots to report search areas, which was laborintensive and inefficient. Recognizing the need for a better solution, WeHunt offered to develop a direct integration between their platform and SVA’s systems. WeHunt – Combating African Swine Fever
Key Contributions of the WeHunt App:
– Efficient Tracking: Enabled real-time tracking of hunters’ movements, reducing reliance on paper maps and manual documentation.
– Automated Data Integration: Facilitated the seamless export and processing of search data, improving the speed and accuracy of containment efforts.
– Streamlined Communication: Enhanced coordination among hunters, government agencies, and epidemiologists through a user-friendly digital platform.
– Rapid Development: Achieved swift implementation of the new technology, with all agreements signed and the first prototype ready within weeks.
– Support for Future Crises: Established a robust framework for addressing similar wildlife and environmental health challenges.
By providing a user-friendly digital solution, WeHunt helped reduce the infected zone and ease restrictions swiftly. The systematic data collection supported epidemiologists in recommending a reduction of the infected area, contributing to a future free from ASF in Sweden. WeHunt’s collaborative approach not only enhanced the effectiveness of ASF containment efforts but also instilled confidence in managing future wildlife and environmental crises. This case demonstrates Natlink and Open Air Group’s commitment to sustainable environmental management and social responsibility, highlighting how technology and rapid action can mitigate ecological threats effectively.
