The rising level of cases of African Swine Fever in China is concerning for many Midwest pork producers. China’s government is cracking down on illegal hog slaughtering to control the spread of the disease but has found some illegal practices being conducted including the ingesting of water and other materials to increase weight. Minnesota Pork Producers Association President Greg Boerboom says he thinks the ASF problem is higher than is being reported.
He says he and his fellow pork producers are closely watching their feed sources and biosecurity and doing everything they can as far as putting in preventative measures for African Swine Fever.
Boerboom says pork producers who purchase soybean meal for feeding their pigs should reconsider that and make sure they hold onto feed long enough in efforts to prevent the disease.
Boerboom says one recent concern he has is that AFS has shown up on the soles of the feet of some Chinese who have been in wet areas. He says that concern is heightened if that person then flies around the world and carries that with them.
