JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The African Swine Fever (ASF) is casting a shadow over South Africa’s pork industry, with outbreaks significantly reducing the country’s pig population. This has led to fears of a surge in pork prices as supply tightens across key farming regions in the Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of Gauteng. Producers report the loss of approximately 7,000 pigs from the formal market, a situation that the industry acknowledges is highly sensitive to supply fluctuations.
A mere 2% decrease in supply can result in a 10% increase in prices. Amidst rising feed and operating costs, the pork industry maintains that pork available through formal retailers remains safe for consumption, despite the ongoing disease outbreaks.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Vusi.Bafetane
