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ASF continues to be underreported in China

The executive director of Swine Health Information Center says China continues to underreport the loss of pigs to African Swine Fever.

Paul Sundberg says African Swine Fever updates in China vary widely depending on who they come from. 

“The reports that we get on the ground from the veterinarians and others in China is that the virus continues to spread and continues to infect pigs,” he says. “The official report coming from China is that there haven’t been very many, if any, new outbreaks.”

He tells Brownfield although some reports indicate ASF is under control, it will continue to be a problem over the next decade. 

“It would be wise for us to expect that the virus is underreported, continues to spread, and is going to continue to spread for years to come,” he says.

He says it’s critical that producers keep up biosecurity measures on their operation. 

Sundberg spoke to Brownfield at the Ohio Pork Congress. 

Audio: Paul Sundberg, Swine Health Information Center