September 13, 2007

EU extends pig export bans for Bulgaria and Romania

The EU has extended its export ban on live pigs and pig meat from new member states Romania and Bulgaria because of continued concerns about animal disease, the EU's executive Commission said on Wednesday (Sep 13). 

The ban on both countries was to have been reviewed by the end of September 2007.

The Commission said it was necessary to extend the bans for Bulgaria until July 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009 for Romania, as classical swine fever is not yet under control in either country,

The disease situation was considered to be particularly serious in Romania, with outbreaks reported on large farms in August as well as 164 outbreaks in small holdings in the first half of 2007, it said.

The extension is expected to be a blow for Smithfield's operations in the country. Three of its pig farms from the US pork giant suffered from swine fever outbreaks recently and the company estimates the outbreaks would shave US$12-14 million off this year's profits.