China is cracking down on illegal hog slaughtering to control the spread of African swine fever.
Reuters reports illegal slaughtering and actions such as injecting water and other materials into pigs to increase weight have emerged in some areas recently, after a government ban on live hog transport sent prices soaring in major consumption areas of China.
The activities, according to China, have disrupted the hog slaughter sector and increased the risk of spreading African swine fever.
China plans increased inspections of slaughterhouses and harsh punishment for illegal operations. China also intends to build more large-scale slaughterhouses to combat spread.
The move will also encourage sector consolidation. China has reported roughly 90 cases of the deadly African swine fever since early August. The cases have prompted fears of spread across the global pork industry.