Vietnam has nearly 6 million fewer pigs

In Vietnam, nearly 20% of the pig population has succumbed to African swine fever since the first outbreak at the end of February. From the figures of the Vietnamese government it appears that about 5,8 million pigs (out of 30 million) have now died and/or been culled. The animal disease has spread over all provinces in Vietnam in 3 months and almost 8.500 outbreaks have now been reported. The provinces of Hanoi, Dong Nai, Hai Duong, Thai Bingh and Bac Giang have been hardest hit, with losses ranging between 270.000 and 540.000 pigs. Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien warns that the country may face a shortage of 200.000 tons of pork due to the outbreaks.

In addition, Vietnam also struggles with record high pig prices. Since that first outbreak in February, the pig price has risen by about 20%. The price is now rising to 60.000 to 67.000 Vietnamese dong per kilo. This is converted €2,34 to €2,61 per kilo. In exceptional cases, more than 75.000 Vietnamese dong has been paid for 1 kilo of pork (€2,92 per kilo). According to a report from Rabobank, pork consumption in Vietnam could fall by 12% this year due to high prices.

Illegal vaccines in China
China's Ministry of Agriculture said this week that it is launching an official investigation into the production, sale and use of illegal African swine fever vaccines. That writes Reuters based on sources. The ministry has been aware of the sale of these illegal vaccines for some time, but is only now officially starting the investigation. This is because more and more farmers are using it.

Incidentally, the outbreaks of African swine fever also affect global meat production. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) writes that meat production will fall by 1% this year to 335 million tons. "This is a departure from the stable line recorded over the past 20 years."