New outbreaks in Belgium and China

In Belgium, another 5 cases of African swine fever have been detected (in wild boars). This brings the total number of infections to 14. In addition, the virus in China is advancing further and further towards the west of the country.

The new infections in Belgium were found in the already established infected zone of 63.000 hectares in the province of Luxembourg. It has now been decided that all pigs kept in this area will be culled, while the area will also be (partially) fenced. 

The outbreaks of African swine fever have put a lot of tension on the pigs- and piglet market resulting in falling prices. Denis Ducarme, the Belgian Minister of Agriculture, is therefore considering support measures for pig farmers. 

Yet another outbreak in China
An outbreak of the animal disease has also been identified in China. This time it was hit in the province of Inner Mongolia, which is located in the north of China (on the border with Mongolia). The total number of infections is now reaching 25.

The authorities have taken additional measures to stop the outbreaks. For example, it is prohibited to process pig blood in pig feed. Several transport bans have already been announced in the past. There are reports of Chinese pig farmers trying to pass through them, using smuggling routes and forged documents.

Low risk in the Netherlands
The chance that the animal disease will break out in the Netherlands is small. This is in a Verkaring of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. It states that experts consider the chance very small that the virus will spread to the Netherlands through migration of wild boars. The chance of this happening through human action is greater, but is estimated as small to medium.

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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