Hundreds of veterinary staff have been dispatched to prevent the epidemic. — VNA/VNS Photo |
HCM CITY — Mekong Delta provinces have tightened control over the transport of livestock and stepped up prevention efforts against the growing epidemic of African swine fever among pigs.
The Đồng Tháp Province People’s Committee has prohibited the transport, trade, consumption, slaughter, or gift of smuggled and unknown meat within its borders.
“When pigs infected with African swine fever are discovered, related authorities must be informed immediately,” Nguyễn Văn Công, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, told Sài Gòn Giải Phóng (Liberated Sài Gòn) newspaper.
“Since early 2019 Đồng Tháp has not faced any animal epidemic, but has spent VNĐ6.7 billion (US$290,000) preparing for epidemics.”
In neighbouring An Giang, the agriculture department 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 Tiền 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.
Cần Thơ city has increased surveillance of the animal meat trade and pig farms. — VNS