May 27, 2008

China raises number of pigs killed by quake

China's agricultural ministry raises the estimated number of pigs killed by the Sichuan earthquake, from 792,000 pigs to 1.52 million pigs on Monday (May 26).

The ministry said there were still no reports of animal disease in the area.

Around 512 tonnes of disinfectant had been used to prevent the spread of disease among animals and people.

Some 60,000 cows and 178,000 goats as well as 14 million rabbits and fowl were also killed.

Chinese local government officials said the province has taken measures to curb any possible rises in the price of pork.

Worries about the damage to the pig breeding industry weakened Dalian corn futures last week.