Shocking was the news that the first-ever outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) was recorded in the country-leader in pork production – China. The heart of this disease was the province of Liaoning.
On August 7, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs conducted an emergency videoconference on the prevention and control of African swine fever. Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the country instructed representatives of municipalities to take all necessary measures to accelerate the elimination of the outbreak of ASF. This is necessary to stabilize the current situation in the country.
In addition, it is reported that China has worked out the procedure for the elimination of ASF in advance of the disease on the territory of the country.
After fixing the outbreak of the disease, the State Council of the country sent competent specialists to eliminate the focus of ASF on the spot.
This is the first outbreak of ASF in East Asia. It frightens, given the high density of pigs in the countries of Southeast and East Asia.
The continuing trend demonstrates that pig production sites in China are “shifting” to the west and north. In the country there is a significant increase in production, which is due to the growing level of pork consumption. Despite the fact that South China also consumes pork in large quantities, pig production there has experienced a contraction, as tightening the requirements of environmental legislation contributed to the rise in cost of production. Due to the joint location of feed and pig production centers in one territory, the lowest production costs were recorded in the north-eastern regions of the country.
Rosselkhoznadzor hopes that China will take comprehensive measures to prevent the spread of African swine fever.