Quarter of world's pig population 'to die due to African swine fever'

World Organisation for Animal Health warns spread of disease has inflamed worldwide crisisAbout a quarter of the global pig population is expected to die as a result of an epidemic of African swine fever (ASF), according to the intergovernmental organisation responsible for coordinating animal disease control.In the last year the spread of the disease has taken policymakers by surprise, and has been particularly devastating in China – home to the world’s largest pig population. The disease is also established in other Asian countries such as Vietnam and South Korea, and continues to wreak havoc in eastern Europe, where the current outbreakbegan in 2014.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Animals World news Environment China South Korea Asia Pacific Philippines Belgium Pork Food Europe Veterinary medicine Medical research Science Source Type: news