Pig supply is rising in German AVP area

In East German areas, with African swine fever (ASF) infections among wild boars, pig farmers cannot bring pigs to slaughter. There are fears of animal welfare problems and the development of a new pig congestion.

After the first confirmed ASF infection in the German pig herd (mid-July), slaughterhouses no longer accept pigs from zones where ASF infections among wild boars are present. Currently, the number of pigs in the stables in East German ASF areas is piling up. 

Before the stop, it was not easy to slaughter pigs from ASF zones. There was only 1 slaughterhouse that very exceptionally collected the animals, and this led to extra costs of approximately €25 per pig. The Bund Rind und Schwein (BRS) strongly criticizes the decision to stop slaughtering pigs from such areas. Due to the current restrictions, approximately 4.000 pigs would accumulate weekly in barns in ASF restricted areas.

Easing and support
The BRS asks authorities to relax the requirements. For example, the question is whether it is possible to have animals from restriction zone III slaughtered while taking the greatest possible safety measures into account. In addition, the BRS advocates support for pig farmers who have to stop temporarily due to circumstances.

Chanti Oussoren

Editor at Boerenbusiness who studies the dairy, pig (meat) and feed markets.

c.oussoren@boerenbusiness. Nl

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