China Removes Restrictions Where First, Second ASF Outbreak Was Found

China’s Ministry of Agriculture says it will lift restrictions in the two regions where the first and second African Swine Fever outbreaks occurred.

Monday, China’s Ministry of Agriculture says it will lift restrictions on the central Henan province, where the country’s second ASF outbreak occurred. Saturday, China removed restrictions on an area in Shenyang, Liaoning province, where the country’s first case of African swine fever (ASF) was found in September.

There have been no new cases in the infected areas, the ministry said.

For the past six weeks, the two areas were sealed off to stem the spread of the contagious disease. In order to contain the spread of the disease, authorities banned live hogs and pig products transport from regions bordering provinces where African swine fever has been reported, shut live markets and banned the use of feed derived from pig blood.

Nearly 20 cases of ASF have been reported in China since July. Due in part to the disease, China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs says the country’s sow herd, as of August 2018, is 4.8% smaller than a year ago. The sow herd declined just over 1% from the month prior.

China’s disease problems has furthered challenged the trade picture with the U.S. The country’s smaller herd is also raising questions about the country’s future appetite for soybeans.

U.S. Still Diligent on Biosecurity
USDA-APHIS has increased preparedness and border screening checks to avoid entry of swine byproducts from contaminated areas. As PorkBusiness has reported previously, African Swine Fever has no human health implications, but it is highly contagious and lethal for pigs. The virus is very hardy and can survive in extreme environmental conditions for long periods of time in fresh and frozen meat.

U.S. pork leaders reemphasize the importance of biosecurity measures on farms and feed supply chains.

This article was first published on https://www.fjfnews.com.