News

2019 World Pork Expo cancelled

The 2019 World Pork Expo has been cancelled. 

In a release this morning, the National Pork Producers Council board of directors says the event has been cancelled out of “an abundance of caution” as African Swine Fever continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia. 

An evaluation by veterinarians and other third-party experts say the risk of African Swine Fever being introduced into the US herd from the event is negligible, but David Herring, president of NPPC says the board has decided to exercise extreme caution. 

The World Pork Expo is held each June in Des Moines, Iowa and hosts approximately 20,000 visitors over 3 days, including individuals and exhibitors from ASF-positive regions.  Herring says pork producers are highly export dependent and an ASF outbreak would immediately close export markets when a time when producers are already facing trade challenges.

Despite the cancellation – the National Swine Registry, Certified Pedigree Swine and American Berkshire Association are still planning the live hog show June 2-8, 2019 that typically runs in conjunction with the event.  The staffs have been working to confirm event logistics and details and will provide those to exhibitors once it is made available. 

African Swine Fever is a viral disease that causes high mortality in domestic and wild pigs.  It only affects pigs and presents no human health or food safety risks.

NPPC has hosted the World Pork Expo since 1987 and it is the world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show in the world. 

AUDIO: Jim Monroe, National Pork Producers Council