Schweine Cockpit, 26.10.2018

(AMI) - Actually, one can now call China a land of opportunity. In addition to great opportunities, there are always high risks. The authorities, industry representatives and market participants are currently worrying about unchecked African swine fever (ASP). For the first time, cases of African swine fever have recently been reported in three southern Chinese provinces. So far, all cases have been in the northern or eastern provinces. South China is the region in China that consumes the most pork. For example, recent outbreaks of African swine fever have been confirmed in smaller flocks in the southern Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Hunan and Zhejiang. Overall, China has reported more than 40 outbreaks in 12 provinces or autonomous cities / regions. More than 200,000 pigs were killed in the fight against the disease. In mid-October, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture again warned of the possibility of rising pig prices until the Chinese New Year, when pork consumption is usually at its peak.A spokesman for the ministry said he expected the total supply of pork to be sufficient. However, the ban on the movement of pigs and piglets significantly limits the supply of pigmeat in certain regions. For example, in the eastern province of Zhejiang, pig prices are 18.32 yuan / kg (2.40 EUR / kg) compared to a national average of 14 yuan / kg (1.80 EUR / kg). There have been regional price differentials for some time, as there are major regional problems with pork supply, "said a representative from Rabobank in China after a few weeks ago in the northeastern province of Liaoning, ASP was found in a larger farm of 20,000 pigs and these animals have been culled, the Chinese Department of Agriculture has appealed once more to comply with all biosafety measures, and all pet owners should report conspicuous pigs and deaths to the official veterinarians, which sounds easier than it is: after all, there are still 40 in China at present Million micro-growers with less than 500 pigs and piglets per farm, accounting for half of the country's total pork production.