The number of pigs in China has increased by 5% on the month according to figures at the 1 June 2021. The total number of pigs was 266.33 million, an increase of 5% on the previous month, AHDB’s Brownyn Magee reported. This is the second consecutive month the population has lifted.
Ms Magee said: “Chinese pig numbers had been on an upward trend since November 2019, a result of recovery efforts following herd losses due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever. However, the emergence of new variants of ASF over winter, and pressure from other diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, has since caused numbers to drop back, due to culling in recent months.”
The latest figures suggest herd numbers have continued to recover, with sow numbers 8% higher year-on-year in June, suggesting herd expansion is likely over coming months as restocking continues.
“Any re-emergence of ASF however could slow this progress, although the impact of this on herd recovery remains unknown. This will make an interesting watch point in coming months,” Ms Magee added.
