Denmark takes precaution after swine flu crops up in Germany

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Authorities in Denmark on Friday urged hunters, truckdrivers and farmers to use extra care in cleaning their equipment and to avoid importing meat products following recent reports of African swine fever cases among domestic pigs in neighboring Germany. The swine flu cases were reported in areas of Germany less than 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the Danish border. ”Just a single case of African swine fever on Danish soil will result in losses in the billions,” said Signe Balslev, a veterinarian with the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. Approximately 90% of Denmark’s pork production is exported, accounting for almost half of all agricultural exports and for more than 5% of the country’s total exports, according to official figures. Danish pig meat goes to more than 140 countries, with the largest markets being Germany, Britain, Poland, China, Japan, Italy, Russia and Sweden. Balslev said it was “absolutely crucial” that hunters and truck ...