News African swine fever
Denmark completes fence at German border
On the border between Denmark and Germany there is now a 70 kilometer long fence of 1,5 meters high. In this way, Denmark hopes to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever. The animal disease also leaves its mark in Estonia and Ukraine.
Denmark has completed the construction of a fence on the border with Germany. The fence, 70 kilometers long and 1,5 meters high, is mainly intended to ensure that African swine fever is kept out. Construction has been accelerated this week as African swine fever was recently found in western Poland, 40 kilometers from the German border.
Pork getting more expensive
African swine fever also affects pork prices in the Baltic States. For example, the price of pork in Estonia has increased by an average of 40% since the start of the year. This increase is driven by hefty exports from the European Union to China. Although no outbreaks have been found since 2017, countries in this region have had to close virtually all backyard businesses. This has led to pork shortages.
There is also a pork shortage in Ukraine. Due to the outbreaks of African swine fever, the pig herd is expected to be 20% lower this year. In addition, pork production decreased by 2018% in 9,3. In total, more than 2012 outbreaks have been registered in Ukraine since 500, with total losses reaching £235 million. Although the number of outbreaks decreased in 2019, the picture remains bleak. Earlier this year, the advocacy group warned that the pig industry could be extinct within 2 to 3 years.
Russia has the opposite problem
Russia, on the other hand, faces the opposite problems. The domestic pig industry is currently facing oversupply due to the outbreaks of African swine fever in the country. As a result, prices have fallen by as much as 2019% since the beginning of 20. For 2020, a further decrease of 3% to 5% is expected, according to the National Meat Association.
Some relief may come next year due to an increase in domestic demand. Another way to avoid big losses is to create additional export† In the first 9 months, Russia exported 73.000 tons of pork and by-products, which is 9% above the 2018 level. However, because outbreaks are still found in Russia, the country is not allowed to export to the most attractive markets, such as China.
Read all about African swine fever here.
Kimberly Baker
© 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.
