The Polish pig census falls due to ASF and the lack of demand for piglets from Germany

In two years, the Polish pig herd has been reduced by 2.10 million animals, almost 19% less. This strong contraction is mainly caused by the ASF virus, which has been active in the country for a long time. This virus, in combination with poor economic results, is a reason for many pig farmers to stop doing so. Poland expects a growing shortage of piglets in Europe, which will translate into high prices. Recent publications from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS) show that, at the beginning of December 2022, 9.62 million pigs were being raised in this country and it was 6% less than in 2020. The total census has been reduced by 18% or 2.1 million pigs. The two main causes of this sharp decline are the ongoing problems with the African swine fever virus and the economic/financial malaise faced by many Polish pig farmers. In terms of pig herd size, Poland ranks sixth in the EU and fourth in pork production. Both of these prominent positions are now threatened by the still ...