Outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) had been reported in the northern provinces of Vietnam. --Photo Vietnam News

Swine fever discovered in Hung Yen, Thai Binh

HANOI (Vietnam News, ANN) -- Outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) had been reported in the northern provinces of Hung Yen and Thai Banh, the Department of Health reported on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) culled more than 130 sick pigs and sprayed the infected areas.
Hung Yen province has set up quarantine stations to manage culling, transport and trade.
Samples have been taken for testing in those areas.
Similar measures were taken in Dong Do Commune, Hung Ha district of Thai Binh province in Vietnam.
ASF was discovered in China in August 3 last year and has resulted in the termination of 950,000 pigs. There is no specific remedy or vaccine for the disease.
Director of the Department of Animal Health of Vietnam, Pham Van Dong, warned that breeders should clean cages regularly, spray disinfectant and prevent insects because they could spread the disease.
Breeders should not buy piglets without knowing where they are from or transport animals sus-pected of having the disease.
Dong said theses were isolated outbreaks so farmers should not be too concerned, but should take preventive measures.
ASF cannot be transmitted to other animals or humans so customers should not turn their backs on the meat. They should just choose products with clear origins, he said.

(Latest Update February 21, 2019)