News African swine fever
African swine fever spreads rapidly in South Korea
The veterinary authorities in South Korea write that a second outbreak of African swine fever has been detected in the country. However, the expectation from the government is that it will not stop there. In addition, the virus is also spreading further in the Philippines.
In South Korea, African swine fever has been found at a farm in Gyeonggi province, which borders North Korea. This is it second act affected by the animal disease. The veterinary authorities report that all 4.732 animals on the farm are being culled. In addition, it says that another 1.500 pigs in the region have been culled as a preventive measure.
More outbreaks are expected to be confirmed in the near future, as a number of investigations are still ongoing. These studies focus on 2 pig farms, which together keep more than 7.000 pigs. "If these investigations show that African swine fever is present on the farms, all pigs will be culled," the agency said in a statement.
Further spread in the Philippines
Also in the Philippines new cases of African swine fever. Both outbreaks were in the Manila region, meaning the animal disease has not yet spread to other regions of the country. The country has culled more than 11 pigs as a result of the disease since September 7.000.
Authorities in the country say the virus spread after several pig farmers dumped dead pigs into the nearby river. This is in an attempt to hide the outbreak. The mayor of Quezon City, the affected area near Manila, has echoed that he wants to investigate whether it can ban so-called 'backyard farms' (small-scale, unregistered pig farms).
Japan vaccinates against classical swine fever
Although Japan has not yet been hit by African swine fever, the country has been struggling with the classical swine fever† That is why it has now decided to adjust its vaccination policy, so that pigs in an infected area can be vaccinated against the virus. The country's agriculture minister has therefore asked vaccine manufacturers to increase production in the coming months.
Kimberly Baker
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