The first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Ukraine was recorded in 2012 in Zaporizhzhia region. 2015 became a challenge for Ukrainian pig sector, as the ASF was found in several northern regions of the country — Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Sumy, Chernigiv. Here outbreaks of the disease were revealed in wild nature (among wild boars) and in backyard households.
Kalyta, PJSC
July, 28th the disease was recorded in Kalyta, PJSC in Kyiv region, which is one of the biggest pigcomplexes of Ukraine. This was the first commercial farm outbreak. According to the Ukrainian Instructions on ASF liquidation, all animals were killed and burned. There were almost 63 thousand heads. It cost the farm about 200 mln UAH. These are only direct losses.
Although Kalyta’s is in TOP-10 of largest pig enterprises of Ukraine (it held the 9th place), it share of the commercial pork production is about 3%.
There are two theories how the virus entered the farm. The first one is neglecting the biosecurity rules. The second version is with the feeds.
Yurii Zhiharev, the director of Kalyta, commented the situation: «The competence of the pig farm ends with its territory. We don’t know ways the ASF-agent entered the territory of the farm. We hope to clear it up together with the State Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service. But we can see another situation.... Wild boars are moving out of control and hunting entities are unable to shoot them. Our security service has recordings showing wild fauna approaching the farm’s fence.»
Despite the situation happened, the enterprise decided to continue its pig production business. At the earliest possible time after disinfection they plan to bring signal pigs to the farm.
One of the biggest reasons of agiotage around Kalyta is that its pigs were bought by several meat processing plants in Kyiv and other regions. To clear up the situation, in parallel to state fact-findings the Association of Pig Breeders of Ukraine has done its own monitoring. The goal of this investigation is to show up the number of contractors and to avoid panic that has started to grow among pig breeders.
Among 30 examined enterprises, 10 confirmed collaboratin with Kalyta during July. But after the formal acknowledgement of ASF on the farm, they have passed through disinfection, as for example, Globyno, LLC in Poltava region. The enterprise commented that they had 8 levels of protection.
But one plant in this region was harmed.
Lukull, PE
July, 6th, information about ASF on meat processing plant in Poltava region appeared. Previous to official diagnosing of ASF at Kalyta the enterprise Lukull bought there almost 300 slaughter pigs and they turned out to be infected. As a result, all infected carcasses were burned.
Consequences of the last outbreaks
- Ukrainian Government has already allocated 45 mln UAH for ASF-liquidation campaign in Kyiv and Poltava regions.
- The state authorities cancelled the moratorium on pig farm inspections by Veterinary Services.
- The possibility of animal products’ export ban is being widely talked about. Imposing such a restriction may significantly influence the domestic pork market, as export of pork rose sevenfold compared to the amount sold abroad during January-July, 2014. Such an increase is mostly due to activization of trade with Russian Federation, which absorbs about 97% of outer deliveries of Ukrainian pork. However, according to Rosselkhoznadzor official web-site, 7 Ukrainian meat processing companies are allowed to sell pork meat to Russian contractors, the trade from two more processors is under tightened control.
Forecasts
ASF may spread beyond the endemic area with center in northern part of Chernigiv region. Next affected regions can be Poltava and Sumy. Scattering of African fever in Polesye may happen in short time among wild boars with gradual pervasion in private sector.