Total loss of pigs over ASF in Ukraine reaches 130,000 heads

14:51, 10.08.2017 1 min read

Total loss of pigs since 2012 when African Swine Fever (ASF) was first recorded in Ukraine has reached 130,000 heads, the Association of Pig Breeders of Ukraine has reported.

According to its press release, loss of pigs this year totaled 10,000 heads.

In January-June 2017, a total of 92 ASF cases were recorded in the country in different regions. This figure broke the abysmal record of 2016 (91 cases).

According to Ukraine's Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, as of late July 2017 compensation of the cost for ASF exceeded UAH 16 million.

Over UAH 14 million has been spent on quarantine measures since 2012.

The loss of pig farms is estimated at over UAH 125 million.

The ASF virus is the causative agent of ASF. The virus causes a hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates in pigs, but persistently infects its natural hosts, warthogs, bush pigs and soft ticks of the Ornithodoros genus, without any visible symptoms. There is currently no vaccine against ASF.