The Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture reported this week (computer translated) on three additional provinces having reported African swine fever (ASF). This brings the total 21 provinces reporting cases in the past five weeks, according to the Head of Epidemiology, Department of Animal Health (MARD), Nguyen Van Long.
The disease has been seen in 447 communes, 84 districts of 21 provinces and cities including: Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Ha Noi, Hai Duong, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh, Dien Bien, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Son La, Nghe An, Bac Ninh Thua Thien – Hue Province, Lai Chau and Bac Giang, with 64,879 pigs affected.
To date, ASF has mainly appeared on small farms where sanitation and biosecurity is not good.
In addition, the Prime Minister established the National Steering Committee on the prevention of African Swine Fever (ASF). The Steering Committee will be headed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Nguyen Xuan Cuong.
Ministries, agencies and units must jointly implement prevention measures, prevent the spread of disease, especially propaganda to people not to panic and turn away from pork.
The Steering Committee shall assist the Prime Minister in directing and administering preventive African Swine Fever across the country; coordinate with ministries, mass organizations to mobilize resources involved and support the implementation of the emergency plan for prevention of African Swine Fever; organize and supervise ministries, sectors and localities to implement disease prevention plans.
