All pigs with African swine fever are culled and properly buried. — VNA/VNS Photo Lê Xuân

HÀ NỘI — The Government has instructed ministries and local governments not to ease up on the fight against African swine fever which has now spread to 34 provinces and cities.

Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng has ordered the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to guide pig slaughter in epidemic-hit areas to protect pig production and distribution.

Accordingly, slaughter establishments that meet hygiene and food safety norms are allowed to buy pigs from farms, slaughter and sell under the supervision of veterinary agencies.

Market inspection has been strengthened to prevent the transport and distribution of pigs and pork of unknown origin.

The deputy prime minister tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other relevant agencies with encouraging businesses to buy clean pigs in affected areas for consumption and freezing to reduce the epidemic’s spread and losses to farmers.

It is also meant to stabilise pork prices and ensure safe food sources to meet market demand, especially in the final months of the year.

The Ministry of Finance will financially support farmers and enterprises in fighting the disease.

The media has been asked to provide timely and accurate information on the spread of the disease to prevent confusion among the public. — VNS