May 18, 2009

China and the Philippines have eased export pressure on Canadian pork by clarifying that their recent bans are limited to live hogs and pork from Alberta, according to a report by the Reuters news agency.

The two countries were among about a dozen that have implemented the ban since the AH1N1 flu virus was found to have infected a hog herd in central Alberta's Clearwater County.

The hogs in the 2,200-strong herd are reported to have recovered from the virus but the farm remained under quarantine. The owner has culled about 500 hogs out of concern for the entire hog welfare.

According to Reuters, China has insisted its ban only applies to Alberta but traders have reportedly delayed shipments from other parts of Canada for fear that China would extend its ban.