The ongoing African swine fever (ASF) epidemic has so far spread to communes and districts throughout Tra Vinh province, although at present the city is yet to see any cases of the disease.

In the last week a total of 3,200 pigs from 118 households in the districts of Cang Long, Cau Ke, Cau Ngang, and Duyen Hai were all found to be infected with ASF.

Currently an estimated 11,000 pigs from 490 households across 49 communes and wards in eight districts have been infected with ASF. As a result, a total of 430 tonnes of infected pigs, worth VND20 billion, have been forced to be culled.

In order to cope with the complicated developments in ASF cases, the Tra Vinh provincial People’s Committee has approved an emergency disease prevention plan with a total budget of VND5.5 billion. In addition, they have directed specialised agencies and localities to intensify preventive measures in a bid to stamp out the ASF epidemic.

The province has also spread information regarding a ban on swine trading activities in infected areas. The ban is being put in place alongside increased control of slaughter houses and the strict monitoring of the transportation of pigs and pork products through 69 quarantine stations.