January 13, 2020

Germany on alert after African swine fever cases in neighbouring Poland

Uwe Feiler, German junior agriculture minister said the country is intensifying efforts to stop African swine fever (ASF) from entering Germany and will support Poland's measures to stop ASF from spreading, reported Reuters.

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said in December last year, Poland reported 55 ASF outbreaks among wild boars. The disease was discovered only 30 km from the border to Germany, a major pork exporter in Europe.

China, among other Asian countries, have imposed bans on pork imports sourced from countries with ASF, which in turn results in losses for meat exporters. Wild boars are spreading ASF, and its meat is commonly consumed in Europe.

According to the German junior agriculture minister, the country's joint federal and state efforts have done their part to halt ASF from entering the country but will strengthen efforts and aid Poland in their fight against ASF.

There have been concerns that Germany's pork exports to China and other Asian countries could be stopped if ASF enters the country.

Fences have been constructed by German regional governments along the border with Poland to prevent possible ASF-infected wild boar from crossing into Germany.

-      Reuters