(Yicai Global) April 23 -- Chinese pork prices are set to grow as nearly 130 African swine fever outbreaks since last August have reduced the number of pigs fastest in nearly a decade, according to the ministry of agriculture. 

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs predicts pork prices to rise to a previously unseen level in the fourth quarter of this year, caused by the sharp decline in the number of pigs, it announced at a press conference today. 

In March, the number of hogs fell 18 percent from a year ago and that of sows decreased by 21 percent, which is the biggest decline in a decade, Wang said. In the first week of this month, the average pork price nationwide rose 17 percent from a month ago to CNY15.2 (USD2.30) per kilogram. The highest price in China's history is CNY21.2 per kg in 2016. 

Chinese farmers in various regions have culled over 1 million pigs due to the virus that cannot transmit to people. Some 80 out of 129 outbreaks were detected due to active investigation, said Wang Junxun, deputy director at a veterinary bureau under the ministry.

Each province hit by the disease has formed a special team to prevent further outbreaks. So far authorities have been able to detect and eliminate nearly 120 channels for the virus to spread. The central government has granted CNY630 million (USD94 million) in funds to help the affected farmers.

Editor: Emmi Laine