News Pigs
African swine fever situation remains a concern
The situation surrounding African swine fever (ASF) in East Germany does not seem to be stabilizing for the time being. The number of confirmed infected boars rose to 917 (reports up to March 31). In China, too, the situation seems far from under control.
The largest source of infection in Germany is Brandenburg with 831 cases. So far, 86 animals infected with ASF have been found in Saxony. Despite all the measures taken by governments, the number of pigs infected with ASF does not seem to be decreasing yet. Compared to the last standings on March 26, no fewer than 5 new cases have been reported in 57 days. The premium that hunters receive for a shot boar has now been increased to €100 each, regardless of the animal's weight.
Fire in Poland against German border
In Poland, the province of Lebus appears to be the largest source of infection at the moment. This region lies on the German border and three quarters of all cases in Poland were found in this region. In the whole of Poland, 3 infected boars have already been found in the first 2021 months of 981. 102 of these cases were confirmed in the week to March 28. The risk of importation from Poland therefore remains, despite the erected game fences.
How serious is the situation in China?
New reports keep appearing about the situation in China. Recently, outbreaks are said to have occurred in the Northern provinces in particular. Cold weather, growing pig density due to pig herd reconstruction and new virus types are said to trigger a new series of outbreaks in northern China and Henan province. Several analysts and people working in the sector say they expect that in some provinces 20% to 30% of the sow herds have died in recent months. Piglet prices seem to confirm a shrinking sow herd in China. Piglet prices are rising and are approaching the February 2020 record level. Piglets currently cost $274 each.
The Chinese government is not responding to the news about these outbreaks. Food security is a sensitive topic in the country, and since the beginning of the ASF outbreak, insiders have believed that the real situation is far more serious than official government data suggests. For example, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture reported only 8 cases of ASF in the first quarter.
Dead boar washed up in Taiwan
Taiwan, which is currently free of ASF, confirmed that a dead wild boar that was found to be infected with ASF washed ashore last weekend. The pig is said to have come from China. Tests show that the virus type found matches the virus circulating in China.
Steve Wissink
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