Authored by Michael Zhuang via The Epoch Times,
Pig farmers in several parts of China are reporting suspected outbreaks of African swine fever that they say have killed large numbers of pigs and forced some farms to clear their herds, adding pressure on small producers already struggling with falling prices and weak demand.
Piglets drink milk from a sow at a pig farm in Yaji, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China on March 21, 2018. Thomas Suen/ReutersFarmers in several provinces told The Epoch Times that outbreaks have been reported in their areas this year, with some farms being forced to sell or dispose of infected pigs.
China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has not publicly reported an African swine fever outbreak corresponding to the farmers' accounts. Its recent major animal disease notices have included one September case of type O foot-and-mouth disease found among pigs in Chongqing.
The discrepancy between official reports and accounts from farmers makes it difficult to independently establish the scale of any current African swine fever outbreaks. In China, the regime frequently conceals data and imposes strict information control over major social issues.
Rapid Deaths and Herd Clearances
In Rong County in Guangxi Province, farmer Lin Yongchang told The Epoch Times his area has experienced two waves of swine fever this year.
Lin said some pigs developed health problems after being vaccinated.
"Previously,
