January 9, 2024

ASF outbreak hits Hong Kong, farmers hit out at lack of testing

Several local swine farms in Hong Kong are raising concerns and criticising the government for not conducting tests on live swine imported from mainland China, leading to a recent surge in African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks, The Standard reported.

The affected regions include Yuen Long, Lau Fau Shan, San Tin, and Sheung Shui, where eight local farms have reported cases within the past two months.

Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department responded by collecting samples from a licensed swine farm in Kwu Tung, Sheung Shui. Two of the six samples tested positive for ASF, prompting the department to activate its contingency plan, resulting in the culling of over 400 swine on the affected farm. Additionally, seven other swine farms within a 3 km radius have been suspended from transporting swine.

A broader impact has been observed in Lau Fau Shan, San Tin, and Yuen Long, where approximately 14,000 swine have been culled since the first case emerged on November 7, 2023.

Lau Hon-kit, a member of the Fisheries and Agriculture Conservation Advisory Committee, expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation offered, stressing that local swine prices may need to be raised significantly to cover costs. He attributed a major part of the problem to the government's failure to test mainland swine for ASF before importation.

Lau, who is also a local swine farmer, highlighted that infected mainland swine continue to be exported to Hong Kong due to a lack of culling practices. He urged the government to enhance testing and preventive measures to address the root cause of the problem.

Last Saturday, an emergency meeting was convened by Undersecretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau Diane Wong Shuk-han, involving the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and the Environmental Protection Department. International veterinary expert Leslie Sims was consulted, and further recommendations are being developed to control the spread of ASF in collaboration with the swine farming industry.

-      The Standard