October 2, 2020

Germany confirms two more African swine fever cases among wild boar

Germany's Federal Agriculture Ministry has confirmed an additional two African swine fever (ASF) cases among wild boars in Brandenburg state, east Germany, Reuters reported.

This brings the total ASF cases in the state to 40 since the first case was reported on September 10. No farm livestock have been infected.

The latest two cases were found in the initial area of discovery. On September 30, one ASF case was confirmed 60 km away from the other 39 cases.

The ASF cases were confirmed by Germany's Friedrich-Loeffler scientific institute.

The Brandenburg state government said it is searching for wild boar carcasses in both areas, utilising teams on foot in the fields and woods, as well as aircraft drones.

The state said examinations of the first dead wild boar showed the animal was infected between eight to 10 weeks ago, so it is possible that ASF entered Germany in early-July.

Germany's pork prices dropped sharply on September 11, but has remained unchanged since as it is hoped Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and other European Union countries will increase pork exports to China and other Asia countries to compensate for German supplies, so Germany can continue to supply pork within the EU.

China, Japan, and South Korea have banned German pork imports since the first case was reported. However, Germany has a regional ban agreement with the EU, meaning only pork from Brandenburg state are banned from being exported to the EU.

-      Reuters