Swine cholera threatens Asia

The cholera epidemic of African pigs raging in China is warned almost certainly to spread to Asian countries.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), cholera of African pigs began in China in early August. Since then, the epidemic has spread to 18 farms and slaughterhouses in 6 provinces. In some areas, the extent of infection spreads over 1,000 km ² .

There is no vaccine for African pigs.(Photo: Reuters).

Because pork is so popular in Asia, FAO warns that African swine "almost certainly" will attack other countries , primarily through unprocessed or over-processed pork products. More dangerous, the coping and control is considered "extremely strenuous " because cholera viruses can last for months in meat and animal feed products.

In the face of epidemics, China destroyed more than 38,000 pigs and banned pig transport at the outbreaks. This move makes farms unable to sell pigs and the market falls into a shortage. Pork prices in southern China skyrocketed due to hoarding demand before the week-long holiday in October.

On September 9, Japan confirmed the first case of swine cholera in the country after 26 years. The country immediately suspended export of pork and wild pigs. However, Japanese officials say this is not the type of description that African pigs are raging in China.

According to Reuters, African pig cholera was discovered in Africa nearly a century ago. It is often fatal in pigs but does not harm humans. There is no vaccine for African pigs.