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. “We know that the outbreaks in the mainland are pretty serious … but the flow of information to the outside was cut off,” he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Mainland pig farmers are aware of the situation and this is not a secret. But no one would mention this to the public.” According to the General Administration of Customs, a mainland agency involved in the supply of agricultural produce to Hong Kong, there were 149 pig farms which could supply the animals to the city. But the list, which was updated on April 22 and was available on the agency’s website, showed only three farms in Hainan province had been affected by the virus, and had to suspend their exports. African swine fever returns to Hong Kong, hitting city’s pork supply and leaving consumers counting cost of pricey meat Lawmakers Steven Ho Chun-yin and Helena Wong Pik-wan called for an improvement in the transparency in information released by the mainland and Hong Kong authorities. There is no easy way for the Hong Kong public to check the most updated information on how many farms have been affected. The Post approached the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department about the information, but the department was not able to verify the claims being made. The mainland customs agency has also yet to respond. Ho, a lawmaker who represents the agricultural and fisheries sector, said more information would allow better preparation against the virus. “African swine fever is a long battle,” Ho said. “Without the free flow of information, how could we take preventive measures?” “Now I feel like the Hong Kong government didn’t take the initiative to ask or to think of ways to solve the problem of an insufficient flow of information.” Wong also agreed that there was “an absolute need” to make more information about the farms public. She said information such as the locations of those farms, and whether they have been affected by any diseases, should be posted online and updated regularly.