African Swine Fever Trends as ASF Cases Drop

Mizoram has reported no pig deaths or culling due to African Swine Fever (ASF) since the start of the year, marking a significant improvement in the state's efforts to combat the disease, while Brazil secured a regionalisation agreement with Singapore to ensure pork exports.

The state of Mizoram had seen a decline in pig casualties and culling since November, with some days in late December passing without any incidents. This trend has continued into the new year, with no reported cases of ASF. However, officials remain cautious about a potential resurgence of the disease during the warmer climate, particularly in February or March.

According to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the number of barangays affected by ASF has decreased to 133 from 225 previously. The BAI also reported a 59% decrease in ASF cases in eight regions, 11 provinces, and 35 municipalities as of January 10. The regions with the most affected barangays are North Cotabato, Kalinga, and Bohol.

In a separate development, Brazil has established a regionalisation agreement with Singapore to ensure pork exports despite potential ASF outbreaks. The agreement allows trade to continue if the outbreak is contained within a specific zone and follows World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines. This will provide greater security and predictability to the pork trade between the two countries.

Despite the decline in ASF cases, the retail price of pork remains high, with the Department of Agriculture noting that current prices of pork belly and pork shoulder are higher compared to prices during the holidays. The adequate supply of imported frozen pork has not led to a decrease in prices, leaving consumers to bear the brunt of high pork prices.