Russia's Pigs under Threat from ASF, Says Minister
RUSSIA - Following the rapid spread of African swine fever (ASF), a Russian official says that the halting of pig movements in under consideration.
Due to the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) throughout the territory of Russia, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture is considering the possibility of transferring pig farms to closed operation mode.
This is in order to prevent further fever spread in the territory of the country, which can result in loss of one million pigs – equivalent to 50,000 tonnes of meat.
"In order to resolve this problem, we will have to transfer all hog farms to the closed type of production," said the Russian minister of agriculture last week.
According to the official, the direct economic losses from ASF could reach 25-30 billion rubles (€600 million). Further spread of the disease can destroy the country's pig production, and the whole programme of livestock development.
"New outbreaks of the disease can arise where there is no proper veterinary protection of pig farms and where farm management violates the veterinary and sanitary regulations," the Minister added.
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2 November 2009
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