Nghe An province is focusing intensely on solutions to prevent and control African swine fever.

Setting up checkpoints to control the spread of African swine fever upon detection. Photo: XH

According to the announcement ofMinistry of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentCurrently, African swine fever is spreading rapidly across 57 provinces and cities, with 230,000 pigs culled, nearly three times more than the same period in 2020, accounting for 0.8% of the total pig population.

ForNghe AnFrom the beginning of the year until December 13th, African swine fever occurred in 328 communes, forcing the culling of 34,345 pigs. According to experts, the disease is expected to spread rapidly in the coming period because Nghe An province mainly has small-scale, household-based pig farming, lacking adequate veterinary hygiene conditions; pathogens persist in the pigs' bodies and circulate widely in the environment; the volume of pig transportation during the Lunar New Year increases significantly; and the weather is unfavorable: rain, cold, and large temperature differences between day and night. Animal disease prevention and control efforts in some localities have not received sufficient attention recently.

To ensure timely and effective prevention and control of African swine fever, and to guarantee a sufficient supply for the upcoming Lunar New Year and subsequent periods, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province requests the Chairmen of the People's Committees of districts, towns, and cities; and the Directors of relevant departments and units to focus on directing the implementation of several key contents:

Pigs infected with African swine fever are being destroyed. Photo: XH

People's Committees of districts, cities, and townsImplement decisively disease prevention and control measures in accordance with the Veterinary Law and directives and guidelines from the central and provincial authorities.

Focus resources on organizing and implementing decisively and synchronously measures to prevent and control African swine fever. Strengthen the Steering Committee for Animal Disease Prevention and Control.

Strengthen communication and guidance efforts to ensure that farmers strictly adhere to the prescribed measures.biosecure livestock farmingProviding timely and accurate information to the public about the disease situation, the risk of recurrence and spread, and disease prevention and control measures, while ensuring both disease prevention and control requirements are met and protecting the production and consumption of pork products, avoiding causing panic in society.

Effectively manage the slaughter, consumption, transportation, and trade of animals and animal products entering and leaving the area.

Spraying disinfectant chemicals around the livestock pens helps prevent and control disease outbreaks among the animals. Photo: XH

Department of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentFocus on directing, guiding, urging, and inspecting disease prevention and control efforts.African swine feverAt the local level, direct the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine to closely monitor the disease situation and provide early warnings of disease risks. Coordinate with district-level People's Committees to thoroughly handle outbreaks; implement measures to prevent hunger and cold for livestock; and effectively carry out animal and animal product quarantine for transport outside the province.

Provincial Police, Department of Industry and Trade, Market Management Department,Directing relevant authorities to strengthen strict control at border gates, trails, and border areas, in order to prevent, promptly detect, and severely punish organizations and individuals involved in the illegal trade and transportation of animals and animal products across the border, which are of unknown origin and do not meet veterinary hygiene and food safety standards.

Department of Information and Communications, Provincial Radio and Television Station, Nghe An Newspaper,Timely provision of information on the disease situation and intensified dissemination of information on measures to prevent and control African swine fever are crucial to prevent public panic and encourage people to proactively apply preventive measures as guided by veterinary authorities.

Relevant departments and agencies,In accordance with assigned functions and duties, proactively coordinate with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People's Committees of districts, cities, and towns to implement decisive measures to prevent and control African swine fever.