August 7, 2014

Japan's pig industry remains in mire of PEDv

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) continues to wreak havoc on Japanese pig industry, with the country's largest pork-producing prefectures mired in the fight against the disease.

As a consequence, the number of market hogs is expected to decline in autumn. According to Japan Pig Association's survey on the country's pig producers, October's pig production is forecast to drop by about 12% on-year, while slaughter numbers are estimated to fall by 4% in the second half of the year compared to the same period of last year.

The situation will likely get worse in the following months with the falling temperature. The Japan Pig Association warned pig producers to prepare to deal with the disease as the weather is turning cold.

With the domestic pork industry struggling, Japan is expected to increase imports of pork to compensate for the shortage in domestic supply.