ASF wreaks havoc on the Ukrainian pig industry

ASF has affected several Western regions, including Kyiv and Chernihiv, over the past 2 months, with some large farms suffering significant losses, Babenko revealed. The Ukrainian veterinary service has repeatedly reported new ASF outbreaks registering at farms across the central and western parts of the country over the last 2 months, but there is no complete information on total losses. Ukrainian sanitary services continue to uncover cases of farmers trying to sell infected animals. Such practice, which remains somewhat widespread, triggers a “chain reaction” of reinfection. Besides, excess supply on the pork market has led to dumping. “Pig farmers’ expectations of possible earnings increases before the New Year will obviously not be realized. Prices will likely continue to decline,” Babenko said. Industry analysts warn that by early 2026, prices could fall to 2024 levels, risking a major industry downturn and mass closures. “This is the worst-case scenario for producers: ...