Illustrative image (Source: VNA)HCM City (VNA) – Provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta have tightened control over the transport of livestock and stepped up prevention efforts against the growing epidemic of African swine fever among pigs.
The People’s Committee of Dong Thap province has prohibited the transport, trade, consumption, slaughter, or gift of smuggled and unknown meat.
When pigs infected with African swine fever are discovered, related authorities must be informed immediately, Nguyen Van Cong, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Since early 2019, Dong Thap province has not faced any animal epidemic, but has spent 6.7 billion VND (around 290,000 USD) preparing for epidemics, he said.
In neighbouring An Giang province, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has stepped up oversight of pig farms and increased hygiene requirements for them.
Local authorities have also set up check points to control pig transport, slaughter, trade, and consumption.
In border regions, surveillance has been stepped up to prevent meat smuggling. The responsibility of each agency in case of an epidemic has been spelled out.
In Tien Giang province, hundreds of veterinary staff have been dispatched to prevent the epidemic.
The public are kept abreast of the situation and taught how to prevent the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, Can Tho city has increased surveillance of pork trade and pig farms.-VNA
VNA
