Mainland China suspended the transportation of all live pigs to Hong Kong after the city confirmed its first case of African swine fever.

Asiaone reports that mainland China has suspended direct pig transport to Hong Kong, raising pork prices by 40%. This move was in response to a confirmed case of African swine fever in the city.

Asiaone reports that pork merchants are protesting against the authorities' decision to kill thousands of pigs. Pork merchants are asking the government to conduct additional tests on pigs to determine if they are infected with this disease.

On the morning of May 13, operations at the state massacre in Sheung Shui were suspended. Other private slaughterhouses in the city also suspended operations.

A representative from the Hong Kong pig industry said pork merchants would “protect their property” and guard the slaughterhouses overnight to prevent culling of uninfected pigs.

It is not yet clear how long operations at state-owned slaughterhouses will be suspended or when mainland authorities will resume the import of fresh pork. Uncertainty surrounding the potential slaughter of pigs led to significant price fluctuations in the pork market on weekends, and many enterprises closed early due to low supply.