Staff of the sub-Department of Veterinary in northern Hà Giang province spray disinfectant at a local farm to stop the spread of African swine fever. — VNA./VNS Photo Văn Long

HÀ GIANG — Dozens of pigs infected with African swine fever were culled on Monday in the northern province of Hà Giang by local veterinary sub-department, according to the province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.  

The outbreak was reported last week in Quang Bình District after several pigs at Vương Văn Vi's farm in Vén Village in Tân Trịnh Commune contracted African swine fever and died.

The agriculture department required the local government to take steps to fight the spread of the disease.

Quang Bình District set up quarantine check-points to inspect trade, transport and slaughterhouses, and sprayed disinfectant at Vi’s farm and on roads leading into Vén Village.

The disease, which has hit 34 provinces and cities in the country, has resulted in big losses for pig farmers.

So far, 1.5 million infected pigs have been destroyed since the first infection of African swine fever in the country was detected in February.

African swine fever is a fatal infectious disease caused by a virus which spreads rapidly among pigs. It is not harmful to humans. — VNS