The positive trends observed in many EU states over recent weeks lasted until the middle of last week before giving way. Brisk demand and fixed prices in many countries gave way as a result of the spread of African Swine Fever into Lithuania.

Two wild boars found dead in Lithuania tested positive for ASF, shattering all hopes of continued rises for EU producers.

Russia immediately closed its borders to imports of all unprocessed pork items. The discovery has had an immediate effect on the market, with quotations being put under pressure in many countries.

According to German producers' organisation ISN, although unchanged prices were published by the associated producers in Germany, "all important slaughter companies took confrontational positions last Friday, announcing discount prices." Toennies, Vion, Danish Crown and others all lowered their prices on Monday, 3 February by 5 cents. Westfleisch corrected their new price for free pigs by 3 cents.

In Britain, however, prices recovered significantly, after having deteriorated for several weeks. A converted 4 cent boost brings UK prices back up to €1.87/kg

Price drops in German were repeated in the Netherlands, where prices fell by 5 cents, and Belgium, where quotations dropped by 4 cents. Although being very much subject to the ban on exports, Danish Crown has not yet reacted on its domestic market, leaving their prices on last week's level on Thursday.

EU member states criticised the Russian response to the discovery of ASF last week. EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg, called the reaction "Disproportionate." ISN suggested that the ban could be used to bolster domestic prices within Russia.

ISN said on Tuesday that EU authorities "are working… to find a solution to the commercial dispute with Russia, though unsuccessfully so far."