Gov’t urges strict implementation of measures to prevent and control African swine fever amid spread

An owner of a pig farming household in Khánh Hòa Province spraying disinfectant in the barn. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang on behalf of the Government has issued an official dispatch, ordering ministries, sectors, and localities to strictly implement measures to prevent and control African swine fever as the disease has spread widely across many localities.

Since the beginning of this year, the country has reported more than 660 outbreaks of African swine fever in 44 provinces and cities, resulting in the culling of over 42,400 pigs.

Provinces such as Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Quảng Ninh, Hòa Bình, Sơn La, Quảng Nam and Long An have been significantly affected.

The disease poses a high risk of widespread transmission, potentially affecting food supplies, public health, the consumer price index, and the environment.

In response, local authorities were directed to improve sanitation and disinfection in high-risk livestock areas, promote biosafety practices in animal farming, and create disease-free zones.

They must also maintain accurate records of pig populations and vaccination rates for the disease, and allocate budgetary resources for purchasing vaccines and organising synchronised vaccination campaigns.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will lead efforts to coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to allocate resources for implementing the national plan for African swine fever prevention and control in the 2020-25 period, including disease surveillance, timely warnings issuance, and overseeing outbreak management to prevent further spread.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will collaborate with veterinary authorities and law enforcement to strengthen controls over the trade and transportation of diseased pigs and pork products.

Additionally, the Ministry of Information and Communications will intensify public awareness efforts on disease prevention measures, and the Ministry of Finance will allocate funds to support prevention activities as per current regulations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs will assist in restructuring veterinary management agencies at the provincial and district levels to bolster disease prevention capabilities.

Relevant ministries, sectors, and the National Steering Committee for African swine fever prevention and control will coordinate closely to ensure effective implementation of prevention measures. — VNS