Starting January 2013 the government of Russia is planning to introduce compulsory insurance for pig farms against the outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF).
However, the farmers themselves have opposed the measure. “Pig producers realise that they must have this insurance, but now it’s too expensive. Its price can be up to 5% of the cost of livestock. Therefore, we cannot cover it without government assistance. ASF cannot be a problem of one sector or one person. Emergency measures to combat the disease should not be so excessive. Authorities should discuss with the insurance companies the cost of insurance and the mechanism of payment of compensation,” said General Director of company Marka, Peter Manuilov. According to plans the insurance will cover 50% of the losses of the farm due to ASF outbreak.