Further information on the African swine fever outbreak in Ky Son that killed hundreds of black pigs.

The family of Mr. Hoa Pho Tuyet, like many other households in Vang Phao village, Muong Tip border commune, Ky Son district, usually raises livestock in a free-range manner, without sturdy shelters.

According to Mr. Tuyet, his family raised seven native black pigs, including one sow that had recently given birth to over 10 piglets. However, in the middle of last week, three of his seven pigs suddenly stopped eating and died, while the remaining four also showed signs of illness, causing him considerable worry.

African swine fever has broken out and spread, killing 128 pigs in Muong Tip commune. Photo: Lu Phu

According to preliminary statistics from the People's Committee of Muong Tip border commune, as of the end of May 21st, African swine fever has appeared in 6 out of 10 villages in the commune, resulting in the death of 128 pigs, with many showing signs of loss of appetite.

The villages with the most widespread and contagious outbreaks include: Ta Đo, Xốp Phe, Vàng Phao, Na Mì, Xốp Típ, and Chà Lạt. Due to the practice of allowing livestock to roam freely, the outbreak spread very quickly once it occurred.

Immediately after receiving positive test results for African swine fever virus, the departments and agencies of Ky Son district were present at the outbreak site to guide and direct communes and people in preventing and controlling the disease. Photo: Lu Phu

According to Mr. Ha Ba Thai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Tip commune: "Initially, there was a mass death of pigs in Ta Do village, which then spread to other villages in the area. African swine fever spread very quickly; within just 5 days, a large number of pigs died, causing concern among the people and the commune authorities. When the outbreak first appeared, the commune was unable to come up with specific and effective prevention plans, but through various measures, we prohibited people from slaughtering and selling pigs."

According to tests conducted by the Regional Veterinary Department 3, all four pig samples from Muong Tip commune tested positive for African swine fever. However, in reality, many pigs have died. For several consecutive days recently, this phenomenon of pig deaths has occurred not only in Muong Tip commune but also in Muong Ai, Huu Kiem, and Bao Thang communes.”

Mr. Nguyen Cong Hieu - Head of the Veterinary Station of Ky Son District

According to updated figures as of the end of May 21st, the number of dead pigs in Muong Ai was 44, in Bao Thang 10, and in Huu Kiem 17. Veterinary authorities have taken samples for testing and instructed local people to dispose of the dead pigs.