Russia is not aware of high pork prices

Russia is not aware of the global increase in pork prices due to the outbreaks of African swine fever. Bulgaria starts with the slaughter of 4.000 pigs and Belgium knows how to keep the animal disease at bay. An update of the situation in Europe.

African swine fever outbreaks are pushing pork prices to record highs increase, although the impact on the Russian market is minor. "We don't even expect Russia to be affected by this in the future," said Yuri Kovalev, president of the National Union of Swine Breeders (NSS). "Asia is responsible for 60% of the global pork production and consumption and therefore the animal disease has a significant impact on the market. This does not apply to Russia. We import and export little, but are largely self-sufficient," explains Kovalev.

According to figures from the NSS, the export of pork from Russia was 84.000 tons in the first months of the year, which is comparable to last year (86.000 tons). In addition, NSS expects pork production in China to fall by 2019% to 25% in 35 and pig numbers to decline by about 40%. "China will therefore have to import a significant volume. Now this is about 2 million tons, but in the coming years this will probably increase to 3,5 to 4 million tons."

The fact that the country is not affected by the high prices does not mean that it is free from the virus. Russia reported 5 more outbreaks of African swine fever last week: 2 in the west and 3 in the east of the country (near the border with China). These are outbreaks in wild boars and not on pig farms.

Bulgaria starts slaughter
In Bulgaria authorities have meanwhile started culling 4.000 pigs on one of the affected farms. The process was somewhat delayed, as there was a discussion in the village of Karamanovo about the location to bury the animals, Bulgarian media reported. According to the villagers, the animals are buried too close to a water source, which could encourage further dispersal.

In addition, the deadline for voluntary slaughter in Pleven, where the other affected companies are located, has expired. Authorities will now start a check to see if all domestic pigs within 20 kilometers of the affected farms have been killed. If not, they will still be slaughtered.

Belgium keeps virus at bay
Belgium seems to be successful in eradicating the animal disease. In recent weeks, 'only' 1 wild boar with African swine fever has been found. This causes the reporting percentage to fall further. Incidentally, the virus has never been detected on a farm in Belgium, but has only been found in wild boars.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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