Since early 2024, African swine fever has severely impacted all eight districts in Bắc Kạn Province, resulting in the culling of nearly 10,000 pigs, which accounts for over 40 percent of the national total. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has urged the provinces of Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Quảng Ninh, and Hòa Bình to implement rigorous measures against this outbreak.
In Lạng Sơn, the fever affects 10 districts, leading to the culling of almost 4,000 pigs, or about 17 percent of the national figure. Quảng Ninh has seen outbreaks in 23 communes, with nearly 1,600 pigs culled, while Hòa Bình has reported outbreaks in 18 communes, resulting in the culling of nearly 1,300 pigs.
The Veterinary Department has identified several causes for the spread of the disease, including delayed reporting at district and provincial levels and inadequate implementation of prevention measures. Despite the availability of vaccines, less than 1 percent of pigs nationwide have been vaccinated.
In response, MARD has instructed provincial committees to declare outbreaks, focus on prevention measures, and allocate resources for disinfection and containment efforts. They are also enforcing strict sanitation and disinfection protocols in affected areas. Local authorities are guiding livestock farmers to rigorously enforce daily sanitation practices, including the use of lime powder and chemicals for disinfection in and around breeding areas. Affected households and breeding facilities must thoroughly disinfect to eliminate pathogens and prevent further spread.
Provinces are conducting reviews and mandating all personnel involved in epidemic prevention to adhere strictly to personal protective measures, sanitation protocols, and disinfection procedures to prevent disease transmission during the handling, transportation, and disposal of infected pigs. They are also urged to allocate funds for vaccinating livestock against diseases, enhance veterinary capacities, ensure timely reporting, and disseminate information on disease prevention and vaccine use.
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