Concerns about disease outbreaks are driving down pork consumption in Nghe An province.

In Bi Market, Dien Ngoc commune (Dien Chau district), pork sales have dropped sharply these days due to the African swine fever outbreak in the district. Ms. Thai Thi Thuy, a housewife in Tay Loc hamlet (Dien Ngoc commune), said: “Because of the African swine fever outbreak in some localities in the district, I am quite hesitant to choose pork as the main food for my family. Instead, I opt for other meats like beef, chicken, goose, and duck…”

However, pork remains a popular, affordable, and versatile food, so I've only reduced my pork consumption rather than completely eliminating it. For almost a month now, 3-4 families in the neighborhood have been sharing a pig to use.

People are hesitant to buy pork during this time when the disease outbreak is showing signs of becoming more complicated. Therefore, pork consumption has decreased significantly. Ms. Ha Thi Hai, a pork vendor at Si Nam market (Dien Thinh, Dien Chau), said: “Before the African swine fever outbreak, I sold about 50-70kg of pork per day, but now I only sell 30-40kg. Not only are people hesitant, but restaurants are also limiting their pork purchases as customers avoid pork and opt for other dishes.”

At local markets in Vinh City, pork prices are still fluctuating between 100,000 and 130,000 VND/kg depending on the type, unchanged from before. According to traders, pork consumption has decreased slightly. And currently, people are more cautious when buying pork.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan, a pork vendor at Hung Dung Market (Vinh City), said: "When information about African swine fever appearing in many localities in the province emerged, people buying pork often asked carefully about the origin of the pigs. Many people carefully checked the quarantine stamps; they observed the meat more thoroughly before buying."

Established, reputable pork stalls in the market attract more buyers, while pork sold haphazardly from small trucks and mobile stalls at intersections and on sidewalks is less popular.

Ms. Tran Huong Lan, a resident of an apartment building in Hung Phuc ward, said: "Before, I used to buy meat from a vendor selling from a truck right in front of the apartment building's sidewalk, but when I heard about the epidemic, I didn't dare buy indiscriminately anymore and instead went to a familiar vendor who sold meat at a fixed location in the market. Because when they sell at a fixed location in the market, they get their meat from a slaughterhouse, and with the inspection stamp, I feel more secure."

In contrast to the stagnation of pork stalls in traditional markets, fresh food counters in supermarket chains have seen a significant increase in sales as consumers are increasingly opting for pork slaughtered on modern production lines in factories to ensure safety...

Compared to prices at local markets, pork prices at supermarkets and organic food stores are 10,000 to 20,000 VND/kg higher. "Although it's more expensive, it's meat with a clear origin and price tag... so I feel more at ease," a housewife affirmed.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), people can safely consume pork products that are free from disease and processed hygienically. Furthermore, according to recommendations from authorities, pork from slaughterhouses is subject to strict inspections, so people do not need to worry.

However, the current situation where some unregulated slaughterhouses are operating illegally without the control of relevant authorities poses a danger, potentially leading to the influx of diseased pigs into the market. Therefore, people should not boycott or say no to pork, but should choose to buy pork with clear origins and inspection stamps from the authorities.

The total pig population in the province as of October 2023 was estimated at 981,352 head, an increase of 3.3% (+31,340 head) compared to the same period last year.

Currently, there are 17 active African swine fever outbreaks in the province that have not yet passed the 21-day quarantine period, occurring in 5 districts: Quy Hop (2 outbreaks), Con Cuong (2 outbreaks), Dien Chau (8 outbreaks), Quy Chau (1 outbreak), and Yen Thanh (4 outbreaks). A total of 1,282 pigs have died or been culled, with a total weight of 70,503 kg.

From the beginning of 2023 to the present, 53 outbreaks of African swine fever have occurred in 12 districts, cities, and towns, with a cumulative total of 2,059 pigs that died or were culled, weighing a total of 98,721 kg.