Sow farmer receives premium for temporary stop

In the state of Germany most affected by ASF, a meeting took place on Monday (May 31, 2021) to discuss the latest state of affairs regarding ASF. The fact that the corona pandemic has prevented a faster spread of ASF was one of the few issues that were discussed that could be considered positive. The measures severely limited mobility, including between Germany and Poland, which was heavily affected by ASF. 

According to Hendrik Wendorff, the chairman of the Brandenburg farmers' interest group, this has prevented an 'explosion'-like spread of the virus. Slowly but surely, the restrictions introduced to curb corona are being relaxed. Wendorff fears that it could negatively affect the situation surrounding AVP.

Major damage to local pig farmers
Hans-Christian Daniels, the president of the Brandenburg pig farmers' union, pointed out the major losses the ASF outbreak has caused to pig farmers. Pig farmers in the affected areas are subject to strict measures. Moreover, the companies' slaughter pigs are hardly marketable because slaughterhouses do not want to purchase them.

According to Daniels, the difficulties in marketing the pigs, if they can be placed at a slaughterhouse, cost €70 to €75 per animal delivered. Companies can already claim financial support. However, this can only amount to a maximum of €3 over a period of 20.000 years.

The difficult sales of fattening pigs also makes it difficult for the flow of piglets from breeding to fattening farms. The numbers of piglets on sow farms are therefore increasing, endangering animal welfare. Brandenburg Agriculture Minister Axel Vogel indicates that money is now available for small sow farms to temporarily stop breeding pigs. These companies then close their doors for 2 years and are then obliged to resume business operations. Vogel is investigating whether this scheme could also apply to larger companies.

Organic pigs are divisive
While Daniels insists on a ban on free-ranging pigs and calls for a cage requirement, the representative of organic agricultural companies in East Germany sees no point in this. This indicates that free range for animals must also be possible in times of disease outbreaks: "without free range, no organic meat".

Daniels believes that a double fence for pigs is not sufficient, because other animals such as martens, rats, foxes and birds can simply enter the enclosures. It is certain that these animals can also spread the virus because they have been in contact with infected pigs. For the time being, however, it is still possible to offer pigs free range.