World meat industry news

According to Data Processing Center of Rosselkhoznadzor, the number of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in Russia reached 122 between January 1 and November 7, 2022. It is specified, that 65 outbreaks were registered in farm animals, and 57 in wildlife.

The virus is mainly confirmed on backyard farms. Thus, in late October, an ASF outbreak was revealed on a private backyard farm in the village of Khlynino, Kursk region. According to a review of the Rosselkhoznadzor, the affected farm had 8 sick pigs, and 5 of them died.  

The experts have repeatedly noted, that one of the major reasons for the spread of ASF in private backyard farms are biosafety rules violations.

However, the ASF situation in Russia is controlled better than in European countries, the Rosselkhoznadzor notes.

For comparison, between January 1 and November 7, 2022, Romania reported 639 ASF outbreaks, and 1385 cases were revealed in Poland.

Information note

African swine fever is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs with a 100% mortality rate. There is no specific treatment or effective vaccine for ASF. Following a decision by Victoria Abramchenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Russian Federation, a domestic vaccine against ASF in cattle has to be developed and applied in Russia by 2024.

Wild hogs are considered to be the dominant natural hosts of the ASF virus. Infection causes high fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea in wild and domestic pigs.

ASF does not present a threat to public health, although scientists presume mutations are possible.