The Deputy Head of the Da Nang Agency of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Mrs Tran Thi Tai, said on Wednesday’s meeting that 3 outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been detected in the wards of Duy Hai, Duy Nghia, and Duy Thanh in Quang Nam Province which neighbours Da Nang.

She said although no case of ASF has been reported in Da Nang to date, the city is on high alert against this epidemic.

In particular, the focus has been on strictly checking the live pig and pork product transporting vehicles at the Hoa Phuoc and Kim Lien quarantine stations, as well as tightening the controls over pig farms, slaughtering facilities, markets, supermarkets, and trading areas of pigs and pork products.

Importance has been attached to encouraging local breeders to ensure strict biosafety, and clean up and spray disinfectant, at their pig farms in a bid to prevent the presence of ASF.

During his emergency meeting on 21 May with representatives from relevant agencies, Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Natural Development Nguyen Phu Ban asked all localities across the city to keep a close eye on their local pig farms, and urgently take samples for testing if any pigs fall ill or present any symptoms associated with the disease. In addition, sales of live pigs and pork products through border crossings are also banned.

He added when any outbreak occurs, the district-level authorities have to conduct the destruction of all pig herds within 24 hours after a positive test.

Director Ban required all slaughtering establishments, wholesale markets and pork business units to only import and distribute pigs and pork products with clear origin and with quarantine certificates granted by veterinary agencies.