An African swine fever outbreak was detected in Tiền Phong Commune, Quảng Yên Town, Quảng Ninh Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has urged four provinces of Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Quảng Ninh, and Hòa Bình to implement rigorous measures against African swine fever.

Since early 2024, the disease has severely impacted all eight districts in Bắc Kạn Province, resulting in the culling of nearly 10,000 pigs, accounting for over 40 per cent of the national total.

In Lạng Sơn, the fever affects 10 districts, with almost 4,000 pigs culled, or about 17 per cent of the national figure.

Quảng Ninh has seen outbreaks in 23 communes, with nearly 1,600 pigs culled.

Hòa Bình has reported outbreaks in 18 communes, resulting in the culling of nearly 1,300 pigs.

Following these outbreaks, the Veterinary Department identified several causes contributing to the disease's spread, including delayed reporting about the disease at district and provincial levels and inadequate implementation of prevention measures.

Despite available vaccines, less than 1 per cent 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 to enforce strict sanitation and disinfection protocols in affected areas.

Localities are required to guide livestock farmers to rigorously enforce daily sanitation practices, including disinfection using lime powder and chemicals in and around their breeding areas. They are also ensuring that households and breeding facilities affected by the disease thoroughly disinfect to eliminate pathogens and prevent further spread.

Provinces are conducting reviews and mandating all personnel engaged 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.

The provinces are urged to allocate funds for vaccinating livestock against diseases and enhance veterinary capacities, ensure timely reporting, and disseminate information on disease prevention and vaccine use. — VNS