The German state of North Rhine Westphalia has stepped up its measures to fight Classical Swine Fever (CSF) as the disease continues to be present in wild boar.

New strains of disease pathogens could have emerged in China as many deadly diseases have the opportunity to sweep through finishing facilities.

The German wild boar population in 2007 will be larger than in previous years, increasing the odds of Classical Swine Fever outbreaks.

The US Department of Agriculture is proposing to allow imports of uncooked pork and pork products from regions where Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is considered to exist if the shipments originate in an area free of the disease.

Brazil is suffering from another outbreak of Classical Swine Fever (CSF).

Animal feed costs could be rising in Germany as a consequence of the swill feeding ban which came into effect on November 1st, 2006.

Russia has lifted a ban on imports of German poultry and pork, imposed last year to prevent the spread of swine bird flu and classical swine fever (CSF), the agriculture ministry said at the weekend.