Scientists from Shanxi Agricultural University and Capital Medical University have developed an innovative CRISPR-based diagnostic platform that can detect the African swine fever virus (ASFV) in just 20 minutes. The simplicity and high accuracy of the method make it a powerful tool for early detection and rapid response to outbreaks, potentially helping to prevent virus spread and protect the swine industry.

The use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a method of stunning pigs should be prohibited — this is the conclusion reached by the UK Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) following an extensive review of scientific evidence on the impact of high CO₂ concentrations on pigs during slaughter. The recommendation aims to prevent pain, fear, and suffering experienced by animals when exposed to this stunning method.

Pig prices in Spain continue to fall, with the market appearing to have reached one of its lowest points of the year. October has been particularly challenging for the sector: for the past 16 weeks, prices have been declining steadily. From July 10 to early November, the live pig price dropped from €1.815/kg to €1.369/kg, representing a decrease of more than €0.44 per kilogram, or over €50 per animal.

Between January and September 2025, China imported approximately 780,000 tons of pork, nearly matching last year’s figure of 790,000 tons in 2024. Despite this stability, imports remain 76% lower than during the same period in 2020, when they reached a record 3.28 million tons.

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs of South Korea (MAFRA) has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to completely eradicate Classical Swine Fever (CSF) in the country by 2030. At the same time, the government intends to minimize outbreaks of other major viral pig diseases, such as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed new trade agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, opening opportunities for American pork producers to export to both countries. The deal with Malaysia is considered particularly significant for the U.S. pork industry, according to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

Unsterilized food waste was the likely source of the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak confirmed on October 21 at a pig farm in Wuqi District, Taichung (Taiwan), Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tu Wen-jane announced during a press conference held by the African Swine Fever Forward Command Center.

The White House has released details of a new trade agreement between the United States and China, reached last week between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. One of the key outcomes is China’s decision to suspend all retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods imposed since March 2025.

On October 29, 2025, France and Japan officially concluded a regionalization agreement concerning the control of African swine fever (ASF). The document, which takes effect immediately, is the result of seven years of negotiations between the veterinary and sanitary authorities of both countries.

In 2024, the UK pig industry recorded a slight increase in antibiotic use, according to data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), based on figures from the electronic Medicine Book (eMB) system.

As of October 23, 2025, South Korea has officially lifted its import restrictions on pork and pork products from Germany. According to the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMLEH), the decision came after the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) repealed the ban that had been imposed in January following a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Brandenburg.

Between July and September 2025, UK pork production fell by 2.4% year-on-year, totaling 237,000 tonnes, which is also 1% lower than in the previous quarter. These figures were well below the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)’s initial forecast, which projected 1.4% growth.

Smithfield Foods, the largest U.S. pork producer and a subsidiary of WH Group (Hong Kong), announced significant growth in both revenue and profit for the third quarter of 2025. According to Reuters, the company raised its annual profit forecast, driving its stock price up by 6%.

Poland’s pig industry, which has faced severe losses over the past decade due to African swine fever (ASF) and market volatility, is finally showing signs of stabilization. Experts predict that the national pig population could even begin to grow again in the coming years.

The Ministry of Commerce of China has announced that an official hearing will be held on October 31 as part of the country’s anti-dumping investigation into pork imports from the European Union (EU), Reuters reported, citing the ministry’s statement.

Spain has adopted Royal Decree No. 809/2025 of September 16, which amends the existing Royal Decree 1135/2002 on the protection of pigs. The new regulation introduces a classification system for pig farms based on tail docking practices and the level of animal welfare achieved, as well as differentiated stocking density standards.

Starting January 1, 2026, Ukraine will implement new animal welfare regulations approved by Order No. 224 “On the Approval of Requirements for the Welfare of Farm Animals during Keeping.” Oversight of compliance will be carried out by the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP), which is already conducting large-scale inspector training.