There was a 4c/kg drop in Irish pig prices on Friday last with producers reporting quotes ranging from €2.05 – €2.10 available from processors in ROI – however, there is still a good demand for pigs.
The EU average price for week 1 for grade E carcass was €1.92/kg excluding vat. This represents a 0.9% change in last months prices and is -8.5% behind prices for the same week last year.
Following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Brandenburg, Germany, a video conference by the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted containment measures. The origin of the pathogen remains unknown. Infected animals and those at risk in the vicinity were culled, and a regional standstill extended by two days. Fence construction will begin to prevent the disease’s spread among wild animals. Water buffalo were infected 2-3 weeks ago. A vaccine reserve is available for ring vaccinations if necessary. Import bans from third countries and potential issues with exports to England were reported. Regional restrictions are being expedited to mitigate market impacts, and economic support was announced. Under EU law, restrictions will last at least 30 days, potentially extending to three months per WHO guidelines. The UK banned imports of cattle, pigs, sheep, and fresh meat from Germany as of January 14. Strictest biosecurity measures must be implemented.
