China pig farmers report suspected African swine fever outbreaks

Pig farmers in China are reporting suspected outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) across several provinces, including Guangxi, Hunan, and Chongqing. These reports come amid falling pig prices and weak demand, placing additional pressure on small-scale producers. Some farmers have alleged that outbreaks occurred following vaccinations from state-owned China Animal Husbandry Group, though these claims have not been officially verified.

While Chinese authorities have not publicly confirmed a widespread ASF outbreak—reporting only a foot-and-mouth disease case in Chongqing—farmers in eastern, southern, and southwestern China continue to report illnesses and herd clearances online.

Concurrently, ASF outbreaks have been confirmed in Laos and Vietnam. In Laos, the disease has affected seven provinces, resulting in the loss of over 14,000 pigs. There are also unverified allegations that diseased pigs from Laos are being transported across the border into China for processing, raising concerns regarding the potential entry of infected livestock into the food chain.