Some 30 per cent of pig farms in mainland China rumoured to have been hit by African swine fever and Hong Kong lawmakers demand answers
- Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Agricultural Associations says he was told about spread of virus
- Authorities in city and across the border have yet to respond to the claims
Lawmakers are demanding answers about the seriousness of the African swine fever outbreak after rumours began circulating that at least 30 per cent of pig farms in mainland China that supply the animals to Hong Kong have been hit by the virus.
The calls came after the city detected its second case of the disease on Friday, leading to the destruction of 4,100 pigs at Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse, and a temporary shutdown of the facility for thorough disinfection.
That followed the culling of 6,500 pigs in a separate operation last month after the first case of the virus, which is deadly among pigs but does not affect humans, was reported on May 10.
On Tuesday, Chan Kin-yip, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Agricultural Associations, said he had been told by pig farmers on the mainland that at least 30 per cent of pigs farms there eligible to supply the city had an outbreak of the disease.
A Hongkonger who runs a pig farm across the border said he was told by other farmers the figure was as high as 50 per cent.