Boerenbond Belgium wants to shoot all swine

All parties involved in Belgium are on edge now that African swine fever has been found in 2 dead wild boars. In the Netherlands there is also a lot of talking behind the scenes. Meanwhile, the Belgian representative for farmers (ABS) argues for a controlled culling of boars. 

The Producers' Organization Pig Farming (POV) will talk to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality on Friday 14 September and they will see whether additional measures are needed. The COV, Vee&Logistiek Nederland, the KNMvD and the animal health service GD are also involved in this conversation. LTO Nederland will support the POV where necessary.

Meanwhile, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has started a campaign to raise awareness of African swine fever. There are serious concerns about wild boars and their migration, as they could easily spread the disease. Hunters are advised not to enter pig farms for 72 hours after contact with boars.

Great state of alert
In Belgium, the state of preparedness is even greater and ABS is asking for a controlled culling of boars. "Pig farmers hold their breath when determining African swine fever in Belgium", according to ABS. "It is a highly contagious virus that is deadly for all pig species. In addition, it can spread very easily through direct contact between and with infected animals." Footwear, clothing and foodstuffs from infected areas are also mentioned as sources for spreading the virus. 

"An outbreak on pig farms will spell economic catastrophe." ABS states that a silent killer and time bomb has entered the Belgian boar population. "We expressly request that without delay a general culling of wild boars on Belgian territory be carried out. We call on all governments to cooperate with this."

European Commission talks 17 September
There are also concerns in the Netherlands about the spread of the virus, especially via the designed natural corridors. The European Commission will discuss the discovery of the virus and the necessary measures on Monday 17 September.

Herman van den Pol

Herma van den Pol has been with us since 2011 Boerenbusiness and has developed over the years into a market expert Milk & Feed. In addition, she can be seen weekly in the market flash about the dairy market.

h.vandenpol@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.