News
2019 World Pork Expo cancelled
The 2019 World Pork Expo has been cancelled.
In a release this morning, the National Pork Producers
Council board of directors says the event has been cancelled out of “an abundance
of caution” as African Swine Fever continues to spread in China and other parts
of Asia.
An evaluation by veterinarians and other third-party experts
say the risk of African Swine Fever being introduced into the US herd from the
event is negligible, but David Herring, president of NPPC says the board has decided
to exercise extreme caution.
The World Pork Expo is held each June in Des Moines, Iowa
and hosts approximately 20,000 visitors over 3 days, including individuals and
exhibitors from ASF-positive regions.
Herring says pork producers are highly export dependent and an ASF
outbreak would immediately close export markets when a time when producers are
already facing trade challenges.
Despite the cancellation – the National Swine Registry, Certified Pedigree Swine and American Berkshire Association are still planning the live hog show June 2-8, 2019 that typically runs in conjunction with the event. The staffs have been working to confirm event logistics and details and will provide those to exhibitors once it is made available.
African Swine Fever is
a viral disease that causes high mortality in domestic and wild pigs. It only affects pigs and presents no human health
or food safety risks.
NPPC has hosted the
World Pork Expo since 1987 and it is the world’s largest pork industry-specific
trade show in the world.
