Attendance was down a bit at World Pork Expo this year due primarily to the impact of the H1N1 virus or “swine flu,” which kept away many international visitors who would normally attend. Washing and sanitizing of hands was stressed more than normal and the flu was a topic of press conferences, media interviews and general conversation.

As we all know, the “epidemic” started in Mexico, and I talked with Jorge Gonzalez, Novus International sales manager for northern Latin America, about the impact it has had on the pork industry in Mexico. “The name of the virus, swine flu, affected the consumption in Mexico,” Jorge said. “Consumption decreased 30 percent so the pork producers are in a very bad situation.” Like the U.S., Mexico has also been impacted by restrictions on pork imports from North America imposed by China and Russia.

However, Jorge says the industry remains optimistic about the future and they hope that within the next two months consumption will be back up to normal levels.

Listen or download Jorge’s interview here. Jorge Gonzalez

World Pork Expo 09 Photo Album

AgWired coverage of World Pork Expo made possible by Novus International and Boehringer Ingelheim