The first batch of 500 live pigs has been imported from Thailand arrived at a quarantine area in north-central Nghe An province. 

VN imports first 500 live pigs imported from Thailand

When quarantining ends, the pigs will be sent to a livestock and poultry wholesale market in the northern province of Ha Nam for slaughter, which will contribute to stabilising rampant pork prices.

The workers at the Veterinary Subdepartment for Region 3 have instructed the owner of the batch on how to adopt disinfection and sterilization methods, monitor the health of these pigs and take their samples for testing.

If the test results come back negative for the coronavirus within five days, the competent forces will issue quarantine certificates to the importer so it can transport these live pigs to slaughtering facilities.

Nguyen Van Thanh, Director of the Thanh Do Nghe An Co. which imported the pigs, said after this first batch it will import another 4,000-5,000 each day and expects to sell at a price of VND80,000 (US$3.45) per kg.

If the test results come back negative for the coronavirus within five days, the competent forces will issue quarantine certificates to the importer so it can transport these live pigs to slaughtering facilities.

After the first batch, the volume of live pigs shipped to the market will be higher, he added.

According to the ministry’s Department of Animal Health, eight firms are eligible to import with an expected number of more than 1.9 million pigs.

They was assigned to issue detailed guidance on sanitary measures for the imported pigs, in line with existing regulations, to prevent disease and ensure the safety of the domestic herd.

This is the first time the country has permitted the importation of pigs, in a bid to counter skyrocketing pig prices in the domestic market.

Earlier this month, MARD permitted the import of live pigs from Thailand for farming and slaughter for the first time to counter skyrocketing live hog prices in the domestic market.