China tightens slaughter rules after new ASF outbreak: report

Jan 03, 2019

China on Wednesday said its slaughterhouses will need to run tests for the African swine fever (ASF) virus on pig products before selling them to the market, Reuters reported.

The announcement from China’s agriculture ministry comes amid a new outbreak of the disease on the largest farm to date. The farm, with 73,000 pigs, is in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, the report said.

Among the new slaughterhouse regulations, effective Feb. 1, pigs from different origins must be slaughtered separately, and, if ASF is found, facilities must cull all pigs and suspend operations for at least 48 hours.

Last month, China warned Hong Kong and Macau to check animal feed imports after finding the virus in protein powder made from pig blood, and it halted shipments of live pigs to those destinations from 18 ASF-affected farms.

China has reported more than 90 cases of ASF since August.

Source : Meatingplace

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.