PM chairs urgent ASFV conference

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (center) chairs the  video teleconference to control African swine fever virus (ASFV) and protect the domestic breeding sector, Ha Noi, March 4, 2019 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

The event drew the attendance of Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and local and sector leaders.

The World Organization for Animal Health reported that from 2017 to February 26, 2019, over 20 countries confirmed ASFV outbreaks. Over 1 million pigs were culled.  

The MARD announced that from February 1 to March 3, VSFV cases were founded in 202 households in 33 communes, 14 districts, seven localities, namely Hung Yen, Thai Binh, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Ha Noi, Ha Nam and Hai Duong. Over 4,000 pigs were culled. 

According to the MARD, the outbreak has been spreading quickly, and was projected to seriously affect the breeding sector; social security and the environment. 

The ministry proposed the Government support 80% of market prices for culled  pigs. The Chairmen of the provincial and municipal People’s Committees were suggested to build scenarios in response to the epidemic. 

Last year, Viet Nam’s pig output hit 3.82 million tons, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.2%. So far, Viet Nam has 2.5 million households breeding 13.8 million pigs./.  

By Kim Anh