We're in the midst of an outbreak of PEDv (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus) that has been killing large number of young piglets in the US and in Canada since it was first confirmed in May of last year. Estimates I've seen place deaths due to PEDv at 7 to 10 million. Besides creating a serious economic problem for affected pork producers, consumers are also affected. Pork prices have been steadily climbing over that period.
As an example, a year ago before the outbreak, I could buy boneless whole pork shoulder for $1.89 a pound at Costco warehouse stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Now the price at Costco is $2.35 a pound. That's a 24% increase in price. Articles I've read said it could go 10 to 20 percent higher.
The last time I bought whole fresh pork belly from a specialty butcher in my area was in late 2011. The price was $3.29 a pound. Smaller portions of pork belly at Asian stores at that time were around $2.49 a pound. Now whole pork bellies in these parts are going for $4.49 a pound with the skin on, $4.59 a pound skin off. The nearest Asian store had smaller 1 lb packages for $3.49 a pound two weeks ago.
All other cuts are affected too, of course, but I haven't tracked their prices over time. Strangely, the prices of commercial hams and sausages haven't been greatly affected yet, as far as I can tell. They are selling for about the same price, or just a few cents a pound higher, than they were a year ago. The producers must be affected by increases in pork prices due to PEDv too, but I guess the manufacturers have been eating the cost increase so far.
I know there have been outbreaks of PEDv in the UK in the past, but I don't believe there is any outbreak there currently. So this question is primarily for the US and Canada-based members. What kind of price increases for pork are you seeing in your area? Is it affecting your sausage making and meat curing habits?