August 13, 2007

Swine fever to make a dent on Smithfield's Q2 results

Clean-up costs for swine fever outbreaks at two of its hog farms in Romania would cost US$4-5 million, Smithfield, the largest pork producer in the US announced.

The bill would impact on the company's Q2 results, Smithfield announced

The company said about 39,000 animals at two of its farms would be destroyed and disposed of according to Romanian guidelines.

Swine fever can be fatal to pigs but poses no threat to human health or food safety.

Smithfield, with annual pork sales of US$12 billion, is the largest pork processor in the US.