News African swine fever
Germany is lobbying for the reopening of the Chinese market
Germany is busy lobbying to allow the international export of pork again. Last week, exports were halted due to the discovery of African swine fever (ASF).
The German Ministry of Agriculture is busy discussing a possible reopening of the Chinese market with Beijing. The main objective is the recognition of the regionalization principle, whereby ASF-free zones are still allowed to export pork. Import certificates will then be adjusted accordingly so that export from Germany outside Europe will also be possible again, only from Brandenburg would no longer be allowed to be exported.
Because it originally involved the discovery of only 1 infection, it was expected that export might be allowed again. The possible finding of 5 more infections, those yesterdayen (September 15) was announced negatively affected the plans. The only positive point in this is that the infections all happened close to the first infection detection and this still supports the regionalization principle.
Concerns confirmed
The fact that more infected wild boars were found confirms the concerns of many pig farmers about the further spread of the disease. A 12-kilometre-long electric fence has now been installed around the core zone of the area. The affected area, Spree-Neisse, and the 2 adjacent districts of Dahme-Spreewald and Oder-Spree are now considered restricted areas.
According to the authorities, there are approximately 15.000 pigs on 50 pig farms in the restriction zone. The largest farm houses about 5.000 pigs. The pigs are currently not allowed to be moved, only exceptions are allowed. These must be authorized by veterinary authorities.
Unstable fence
According to the Brandenburg National Farmers' Association (LBV), it is good that the priorities lie with the construction of a fence. However, the association is of the opinion that a permanent fence should be installed instead of an electric fence. They consider the current fence to be insufficient, according to the association, the fence has clear openings and is not stable enough. Henrik Wendorff, chairman of the LBV, therefore calls for immediate action. "It is essential to react immediately in order not to be left behind."
Chanti Oussoren
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