The Finnish Government has introduced additional measures to contain the spread of African swine fever as cases continue to rise in the country.

The disease, which is harmless to humans, is a viral haemorrhagic infection that has a mortality rate of almost 100 per cent among pigs and wild boar.

The first infected dead wild boars were detected in Finland in late July, with 36 cases identified in southeastern Finland as of Aug. 28.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Sari Essayah said the government had recognised the fight against the disease as a shared national challenge.

Under the new measures, the financial reward for samples collected from hunted wild boars outside the infected area will increase from €50 to €500.

Authorities will also intensify monitoring, sampling and operational measures to prevent the disease from spreading further.

The government said the measures were designed to encourage the hunting of wild boars outside the infection zone and contribute to the eventual eradication of the disease.

Hunting will also be permitted in protected areas and national parks as part of efforts to control the spread.

The government is expected to provide additional funding to address the economic impact of the outbreak, with budget discussions currently underway.

The Finnish Food Authority has already expanded the infected zone in southeastern Finland and previously enlarged the core zone where hunting and forestry activities are restricted.

Some restrictions in the newly expanded infection zone will be eased, while stricter measures will remain in the core infection area.