ASF is Triggering Market Shifts

African Swine Fever (ASF) caused a huge shock to Timor-Leste’s pig rearing sector

Pigs are ubiquitous in Timor-Leste. Around 80 per cent of rural households rear pigs. Before African Swine Fever , based on conservative market prices, households on average owned USD1,000 worth of pigs, with a total national herd value of USD160 million. Pigs are important for economic and cultural reasons. They are a store of wealth for rural households and used as food, gifts, and markers of social status. Even before the arrival of ASF, Timor- Leste's pig sector faced challenges. Farmers had limited access to improved breeds and used only rudimentary rearing practices. Pig supply was low. Farmers could not find quality pigs to rear and butchers could not purchase animals for slaughter.

ASF, a highly contagious pig disease, was officially declared to be present in Timor-Leste in September 2019. It is almost 100 per cent fatal and there are no vaccines or
treatments that can help. The virus spread quickly throughout the country. Official statistics record that ASF killed at least 129,000 pigs (28 per cent of the national pig population), but the true impact is likely to be much higher. ASF compounded existing problems in the sector and added an urgent need for enhanced biosecurity.