August 11, 2005

China's Shanghai strict on pig imports following outbreak
 

Local authorities in Shanghai, China, have assured the public that the city's pigs and pork products were safe from the streptococcus suis bacteria, following the recent outbreaks in Sichuan province.

Concern that the disease was spreading to other Chinese provinces grew, after some Sichuan farmers reportedly failed to follow proper guidelines in handling sick or dead pigs.

All live pigs sold in Shanghai were raised locally or imported from Henan or Shandong provinces, local authorities said. A small amount of frozen pork imports from Sichuan were stopped after the outbreak there.

Local authorities have also stepped up safety training for workers at slaughter houses and markets, to increase their awareness of infectious diseases and restore public confidence.

With 65 percent of Shanghai's pork supplied by other provinces, local authorities said strict controls were always conducted at the city's entry points.

A quality license was required each time live pigs from other provinces were brought into Shanghai, and food authorities conducted further checks after the pigs entered the city.