January 4, 2019

China's pork industry warned against cover-up of swine fever cases
 

Any attempt by China's pork industry to cover up cases of African swine fever is a crime, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said.

The warning came after a dead pig - confirmed to have the disease - was found on a Taiwanese beach, leading to Taiwan's complaint that China had not disclose accurate information on swine fever.

In response to possible cover-ups, the Chinese animal husbandry and veterinary affairs bureau is stepping investigation and punishment of illegal activities in the pig industry, according to a statement released by the agriculture ministry.

China has confirmed about 100 cases of African swine fever across 23 provinces since August 2018, but experts believe the situation may be worse than what was reported.

In her New Year's speech, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said that the Chinese government "has never followed the relevant agreements and provided Taiwan with accurate, real-time reports about (China's) epidemic situation."

Tsai's claim is in contrary to China's  assertion that it has effectively kept the swine fever disease under control.

- Reuters