What kind of support are provided to pig farmers in Nghe An when their pigs have to be culled?

Given the complex developments of African swine fever in Nghe An province, many pig farmers are facing the risk of losing their entire herds, severely impacting their family's economy.

According to Mr. Tran Vo Ba, Deputy Head of the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine of Nghe An province, livestock farms whose pigs must be culled due to African swine fever will receive support from the State if they meet the prescribed conditions.

Decree 116 clearly states that livestock farmers are eligible for support if they fall into one of the following categories: a disease outbreak has been declared and the facility is located in an affected area, a threatened area, or a buffer zone; or there are animals or animal products that must be destroyed according to regulations.

Although the disease has not been officially declared, the first or subsequent outbreak in the same commune-level area has tested positive for a disease on the list of diseases that are required to be declared.

For newly emerging diseases that do not yet meet the criteria for declaring an epidemic, confirmation from the veterinary authority regarding the new infectious agent is required.

Accordingly, the support policy for pigs infected with African swine fever under Decree 116/ND-CP is 40,000 VND/kg.

In addition, those directly involved in combating the epidemic will also receive support at specific rates. Those not receiving salaries from the state budget will receive 400,000 VND per person per working day and 500,000 VND per person per day off, holiday, or Tet (Lunar New Year). For those receiving salaries from the state budget, the support levels are 150,000 VND per person per day and 300,000 VND per person per day, respectively. The funding for this support is mobilized from the state budget (central and local), along with contributions and sponsorships from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals, international organizations, and other legitimate financial sources.

Mr. Tran Vo Ba advised that, in order to receive support, people need to proactively report any signs of disease in their pigs as soon as they discover them, cooperate with veterinary agencies to collect samples for testing, and strictly follow the procedures for destruction, sanitation, and disinfection. Concealing the disease or selling sick pigs not only violates the law but also spreads the disease, causing damage to the entire community.

Besides financial support, Nghe An authorities are implementing a comprehensive set of disease prevention and control measures: isolating outbreak areas, disinfecting livestock facilities, controlling animal transport, and educating and guiding people to apply biosecurity practices in animal husbandry. Close coordination between the government, the veterinary sector, and livestock farmers is considered a decisive factor in controlling the outbreak.

Decree 116 not only provides a legal framework for support activities but also demonstrates the State's concern for livestock farmers, contributing to stabilizing production, protecting the livestock industry, and ensuring food safety.

Reportedly, since the beginning of the year, Nghe An province has culled over 13,000 pigs infected with African swine fever, with a total weight of more than 670 tons.