China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said that China, the world’s largest pork consumer, can expect a 10% to 15% drop in pork production this year, as the deadly African swine fever reduces domestic herds and tightens meat supply, reported Caixin.
Xin Guochang, an executive officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, made the remarks Thursday at a press conference in Beijing. However, the government’s estimate of the decline in pork production is seen as too conservative by many industry insiders and analysts. Li Changlong, head of the China Meat Association, predicts pork production will drop 15% to 20% this year. Others expect a drop of as much as 40%, he said.
There is currently no vaccine or cure for the disease and it has already spread to most provinces and regions across the country.