Swine fever costs Russia 80 billion rubles

African swine fever has been brewing in Russia for years. The number of reports has already passed the 2007 mark since 1.000 and the sector still has no solution for it. According to the Minister of Agriculture in Russia, the economic damage is enormous.

Alexander Tkatschew, the top official in Russia's agriculture ministry, has said direct damage from African swine fever is estimated to be 5 billion rubles. Converted with the current exchange rate: about 83 million euros. The damage is directly attributable to pig farmers. Indirectly, the damage is much higher, claims Tkatschew. On top of the 5 billion rubles, an amount of 75 billion rubles in indirect costs can safely be added.

Contamination risk remains high
Officially, more than 10 reports have been made in the past 1.000 years, spread over 46 regions. About 1 million pigs have been culled for this. There are no indications yet that the Russians have an answer to swine fever. So far, around 2017 outbreaks have been reported in 20. It is estimated that the counter will continue to about 300 outbreaks this year.

African swine fever has also spread to Eastern Europe. Poland also has the necessary outbreaks in 2017. In addition to African swine fever, Russia is also battling bird flu. 

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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