Background African swine fever
What we now know about the ASF outbreak near border
African swine fever has now come very close. The virus cannot appear much closer to the Netherlands. What do we know about the outbreak on a sow farm in the Emsbüren region (Lower Saxony) about 15 kilometers from the Dutch border?
Provided: many details of the outbreak are still unknown at this time. There are wild rumors about what the possible source of the infection might have been. A few days after the outbreak, cases can also be ruled out. The Lower Saxony Ministry of Agriculture is hopeful that the outbreak at the relevant German sow farm is an isolated case. Research has shown that the contact farm that had recently received piglets was not infected. The companies are also negative within a radius of 10 kilometers. It seems that the worst storm has passed.
This is positive for the Netherlands, where the ASF outbreak caused a major shock reaction. After all, the outbreak at about 15 kilometers can be seen as a last warning. An outbreak can't come much closer to still stay outside the national borders, you may assume. Fortunately, ASF was found on a professional pig farm. After all, this makes the situation more manageable than if the virus spreads around wild boars just a stone's throw from the border.
'Comply with protocols'
The poignant thing is that the pig sector cannot do much more to keep the virus at bay than has already been done: follow the strict hygiene protocols. "But it is precisely that following that is extremely important," says Helma Lodders, chairman of Vee & Logistiek. Last Monday, an emergency meeting was held with the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) with involved sector parties such as the POV, Nevedi, COV, GD and Livestock & Logistics. There, the sector parties and the ministry examined the outbreak in Emsland. Lodders was there and emphasizes that it is extremely important that all measures are observed. Not only by those involved in the pig sector, but also by livestock transporters. "They can also be a source of infection." Vets and animal feed companies must also be doubly alert.
Helma Lodders
There are various rumors about how the sow farm in Emsland became infected. The pig farmer in question is said to be an avid hunter and has recently been in an area where ASF is prevalent, it is suggested. Another possibility is that animal feed is the source of the virus infection. "Both scenarios are being investigated to rule out the gossip." Lodders says that LNV will provide information when there is more clarity.
Tourist season is an extra danger
Although the virus is eerily close, the script can still remain on the shelf in the event of a possible ASF outbreak. But for how long? Given the great leaps that the virus is making through Europe, there could be an outbreak in our country tomorrow. Traffic movements in Europe will increase in the coming holiday season. This poses an additional risk of contamination, because wild boars eat leftover food lying around at rest areas and can thus spread the virus. "Consumers also need to be well informed about the potential dangers," says Lodders. Incidentally, this is already happening with signs along (highway) roads and at rest areas. Soon people from the sector will pick up waste along the highways again. This sounds simplistic, but according to Lodders it is not. "It's in the details to prevent an outbreak. Moreover, it is a good statement from the sector."
When AVP makes another (little) jump westwards, it seems that it is the turn of the Netherlands. In that case, the script must be removed and the Dutch livestock sector will be in a stand still† It is possible that the milk collection will also be shut down, or so people say in the corridors. What is certain is that the markets for Dutch pork outside Europe will then close, with all the associated consequences. However, it is not there yet, but the sector is already taking into account that it will come sooner or later.
Wouter Job
© 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.
