On Tuesday 27 October, MEPs on the European Parliament Committee on Agriculture expressed their concern about the increase in African swine fever cases in the European Union. Some non-Member States, including China, are blocking imports of pig meat from the EU, they noted.
The European Commission reported that twelve countries have been affected by cases, including Germany. In some countries, including Germany, African swine fever only affects wild boar, while in others, such as Romania and Bulgaria, large pig farms are affected.
The Commission has emphasised that regionalisation measures have been taken, precisely to prevent embargoes. Management of wild boar is complicated because their numbers sometimes have to be reduced and there are no vaccines, it said.
“It could be that (pig meat) will disappear from the market. We need to support the sector and strengthen prevention measures”, said Daniel Buda (EPP, Romania).
Juozas Olekas (S&D, Lithuania) said the level of support for farmers was inadequate, especially in border areas where restrictions are in force.
Ulrike Müller (Renew Europe, Germany) said that 86 cases of African swine fever had been reported in Germany. “The market reacted after the first case. China and Japan have blocked imports from Germany”, she said. She suggested that trade agreements should be amended to prevent embargoes of this nature being extended to an entire country.
“The situation is critical in Germany. Producers are desperate and there are far too many animals to slaughter”, said Martin Häusling (Greens/EFA, Germany). He spoke in favour of taking crisis management measures.
The Commission has advised reducing the density of wild boar in a number of areas and installing fencing. “There is no vaccine. 200 million euros have been released to compensate farmers”, it said. It should be borne in mind that the regionalisation principle operates with some countries, including Chile, New Zealand and the United States. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)