January 15, 2024

China imposes import ban on swine from Bangladesh amid ASF outbreak

China has taken preventive measures by banning the import of swine, swine products, and wild boar from Bangladesh following the confirmation of an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the country, Pig World reported.

Bangladesh reported its first case on December 21, 2023, at a farm in Chittagong, one of its major port cities, with the outbreak originating on November 13 in Rangamati, affecting 414 swine.

The ban is a move by Chinese authorities to safeguard the integrity of the country's livestock industry and prevent the potential introduction of epidemics. In response to the ASF outbreak, Chinese customs have implemented strict measures, requiring the disposal of animal and plant waste unloaded from ships, aircraft, and other forms of transportation vehicles from Bangladesh under customs supervision.

In China, where approximately half of the world's swine are raised, farmers have faced challenges such as high costs, low prices, and the ongoing impact of the ASF outbreak. As a result, China has escalated the slaughter of tens of millions of swine since November.

-       Pig World