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Millions of pigs culled due to African Swine Fever
  • | dtinews.vn | November 20, 2019 04:12 PM
Nearly six million pigs had been culled because of African Swine Fever so far this year according to an official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Pham Van Dong, director-general of the Ministry's Department of Animal Health, said since February, a total number of 5.88 million pigs had been culled because of the fever.


  

Pham Van Dong, director-general of the Department of Animal Health


The fever was detected at 8,498 communes in 666 districts. The government has sent 955,000 litres of chemicals to 57 cities and provinces and a fund of over VND2.6trn (USD112m) has been prepared to deal with the outbreak but many localities haven’t completed their prevention plan.

According to Dong, thanks to quick responses that the damages were minimised and wiped out in several areas. The authorities also held conferences to promote safe livestock raising methods.

“In October, the number of culled pigs was only 433,000, a 50% decrease compared to May. The outbreak hasn’t returned in 54% of the reported communes in 30 days. The outbreak in Hung Yen has basically been eliminated,” he said.

It is forecasted that the weather at the end of the year and during Tet Holiday will be favourable for the viruses. Meanwhile, animal and meat trading activities will increase.

“Therefore we need comprehensive measures to control the outbreak. The National Steering Committee on Combating Smuggling, Commercial Frauds and Counterfeit Goods and related agencies must work together to prevent illegal smuggling, especially pig and pork smuggling,” he said.

The Ministry of Finance will direct the localities authorities on how to help farmers resume businesses. Banks will provide loans or extend the deadlines for farmers with culled pigs.

The Ministry of Information and Communication will be responsible for reporting on meat prices and market supply.

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