Thai Binh introduces strict control after African swine fever outbreak

Infected pigs are all culled (Photo: VNA)

The transportation of pigs has been restricted in the northern province of Thai Binh following an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

According to Pham Thanh Nhuong, head of the provincial department of livestock production and animal health, as Thai Binh has some 970,000 pigs, prevention of the outbreak is of utmost importance.

Four checkpoints were set up in Dong Do commune, Hung Ha district to control the transport of live pigs and pig products out of the infected areas, he said, adding that ASF-infected pigs had all been culled while chemicals and powdered lime were used to sterilise the infected areas and their vicinity.

Nhuong said all 87 samples taken from nearby farms were negative for the disease.

Farmers were advised to stay calm and inform local animal health management units if they notice an outbreak, rather than trying to sell their infected pigs, which could have widespread effects across the country. 

Mass pig deaths were reported in Dong Do commune on February 12. As of February 17, 123 pigs had been culled.

The ASF virus does not affect humans but cause haemorrhagic fever in pigs and wild boars that is almost always fatal. There is no antidote or vaccine, and the only known preventative measure is a mass cull of infected livestock. The disease spreads by contact between infected pigs or other wild animals./.

VNA