Belgium

ASF - Belgium strategy pays out

Pork

The Belgian strategy for combating African swine fever in wild boar and preventing the further spread of the disease is bearing fruit. The number of cases has dropped sharply and the end of the virus seems to be nigh

Posted on Mar 30 ,12:00

ASF - Belgium strategy pays out

Belgium has always been free of African swine fever in domesticated pigs and still is. On 13 September 2018, African swine fever was first observed on Belgian territory in two wild boars near to Etalle, in the province of Luxembourg, the southernmost province of Belgium. Until today, 4970 wild boars have been analysed, of which 833 tested positive. As of March 2019, the number of cases in Belgium dropped sharply and further spread of the virus was prevented. This is the result of strict measures implemented by the competent authorities.

The latest outbreak of African swine fever in an animal that died recently dates back to 11 August 2019. That was the only case in August. No new cases have been discovered since September, only infected bones. In 4 of the 6 cases, the remains were more than 6 months old. The last wild boar that was infected with African swine fever is said to have died somewhere between the beginning of July and the beginning of October.

So the prospects are positive for Belgium. In March 2019, the Czech Republic regained its ASF-free status and allegedly Belgium might be the next country according to the EFSA. In both countries it was a case of an isolated introduction, far removed from other outbreaks.

 NEWSLETTER - Stay informed with the latest news!

Comments





Similar articles

SPAIN

INTERPORC strengthens its alliances at Meat Attraction 2025

The Interprofessional stand has been the scene of important meetings with representatives of stra...


Read more Read more
DENMARK

Danish Crown continues transformation and closes Chinese factory

Danish Crown has decided to close the factory in Pinghu and has informed customers in China about...


Read more Read more
UK

AHDB: UK pig meat production grew 4 percent in 2024

Imports The UK imported 789,300 tonnes of pig meat (including offal) in 2024. This was a small i...


Read more Read more
Websolutions by Angular Software and SpiderClass