RUSSIA.
SWINE FEVER SPREADS.
There are to be a further 7,000 pigs culled from the region of Stavropol in Russia, as the African Swine Fever seems to have spread.
The initial outbreak caused the culling of 600 pigs last week, followed by 2,500 pigs over the weekend, now a further 7,000 are to be culled.
A state of emergency has been declared, by the government authorities around the village of Gorkaya, where the initial outbreak was confirmed after the death of 117 pigs.
Meanwhile in Russia agricultural giant Mitatorg, has cancelled plans for a US$20 million investment, in a fully automated meat distribution center and cold store, for 8,000 tons of meat.
The facility was to be built in Ekateringburg, a company spokesman said, " plans will continue when the market stabilizes".
Meat production continues to expand in Russia, with growth at 7% for 2008.
Russia is the worlds largest country and the worlds largest importer of meat.
While Russia is still oil rich and debt free, oil prices have dropped 50% from the peaks of August, which will take some budget adjusting for the government.
