Livestock farmers need to take an active role in protecting their assets against epidemics

1.3 tons of death pigs leaked to the canal

Livestock household farming districts of the largest in Ha Tinh province are Thach Ha and Cam Xuyen. These localities deploy specialized personnel on a weekly and monthly basis to communicate and mobilize farmers in order to increase their awareness of livestock husbandry and ensure biosafety to protect their animals.

However, many households remain negligent, even indifferent, to disease prevention efforts. Frequently, instances of ill livestock being left unreported to veterinary authorities, inviting private practitioners for home treatment, and discarding sick or deceased pigs into ponds, lakes, and rivers occur.

African Swine Fever has been detected in 11 communes throughout the districts of Cam Xuyen, Huong Khe, Thach Ha, and Ha Tinh City, as indicated by the most recent report from the Ha Tinh Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. The outbreak has necessitated the culling of over 300 infected pigs.

During seasonal transitions, the alternating rain, sun, and cold weather create favorable conditions for outbreaks, and experts have repeatedly warned about the risk of widespread disease transmission. Yet, a portion of the populace continues to exhibit inadequate awareness of disease prevention.

Residents of Thach Tri Commune, Ha Tinh City, where an African Swine Fever outbreak is currently underway, recently discovered eight deceased pigs that had been discarded in the N9 canal near Dong Khanh Hamlet. The carcasses were already in the process of decomposing and emitting an unpleasant odor.

Upon inspection, the authorities determined that the eight deceased pigs, which collectively weighed more than 1.3 tons, had drifted downstream from the upper reaches of the N9 canal to Thach Tri. The carcasses were promptly retrieved and disposed of in compliance with the applicable regulations by the appropriate agencies.

In June 2024, a comparable large-scale disposal incident transpired in Vu Quang District. Two individuals from Thanh Hoa and Nghe An disposed of twenty deceased pigs, which collectively weighed more than six tons, from the Khe Trui Bridge in Vu Quang Town. This action resulted in substantial environmental pollution.

The indiscriminate disposal of pig carcasses not only exacerbates the risk of disease transmission but also harms the environment, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers, as African Swine Fever continues to spread across the country, particularly in Ha Tinh province.

Thorough calculations are necessary before the restocking and expansion of livestock

African Swine Fever has been officially confirmed in seven communes: Cam Duong, Cam Thach, Yen Hoa, Cam Hung, Cam Thinh, Cam Son, and Cam My, according to Le Ngoc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Cam Xuyen District People's Committee.. We have culled a total of 263 infected pigs.

The Cam Xuyen authorities have issued numerous directives to reinforce disease prevention measures throughout the district in the wake of the outbreak. They are frequently updating information through a shared Zalo group to facilitate a coordinated response. Additionally, the district has directed affected communes to rigorously monitor the situation, ensure the thorough disinfection of infected areas, and increase the frequency of inspections of livestock transportation, trading, and processing activities. 

"The veterinary authorities and local governments have already implemented all necessary measures." It is imperative that farmers assume responsibility and safeguard their own assets at this time. In order to mitigate losses for both individual households and the broader community, it is imperative to adhere strictly to the guidance and recommendations of experts in light of the current outbreak, emphasized Mr. Ha.

A pig farm owner in Cam Minh Commune, Cam Xuyen District, shared the same perspective, emphasizing that the transition between seasons, which is characterized by high humidity, creates optimal conditions for virus proliferation and increases the risk of dangerous infectious diseases in livestock. The farm has rigorously enforced the "no entry, no exit" principle in light of the outbreak of African Swine Fever in the district.

"Comprehensive disinfection is required for all vehicles that transport feed, chemicals, and supplies into or out of the farm." The proprietor of the farm emphasized that workers must quarantine for a period of 1–2 days prior to their shift to guarantee disease control. Mr. Ha has reported that the costs of disease prevention have increased by 30–40% in comparison to previous periods. Conversely, the absence of rigorous control measures could lead to losses of billions of dong in the event of an outbreak that spreads throughout a farm.

The initial detection of African Swine Fever in Huong Khe District occurred at the residence of Nguyen Dang Binh in Thon 7, Hoa Hai Commune, on February 16. It subsequently infected two additional households in the same hamlet. Nguyen Dang Phu, Chairman of the Hoa Hai Commune People's Committee, observed that seasonal fluctuations reduce the immunity of livestock, rendering them more susceptible to infection.

Following the identification of the outbreak, local authorities, in conjunction with veterinary agencies, implemented quarantine checkpoints in the affected areas, conducted disinfection procedures in the adjacent areas, and implemented containment measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Households were to closely monitor their livestock and promptly report any instances of ill or deceased pigs.

A particular requirement was for professional slaughterhouses to execute commitments that guaranteed the processing of all animals at authorized facilities. In cases that fall outside the commune's jurisdiction, the district-level authorities are conferred to take additional legal action to strengthen deterrence. Violations are subject to severe penalties.

In Thach Ha District, authorities have distributed nearly 500 liters of disinfectant chemicals and 5 tons of lime powder to affected areas and neighboring localities for biosecurity measures, in addition to the timely culling of infected and deceased pigs. The district also conducts surveys to monitor livestock sizes, track disease progression, and collect data on pig farming households in order to provide precise and timely recommendations.

The disease control in Ha Tinh is particularly challenging due to the fact that the African Swine Fever virus is known to persist in the environment, in pork products, and on agricultural equipment, vehicles, and transportation routes. Despite the high density of smallholder farms and a total pig population of over 400,000, the risk of extensive transmission remains alarmingly high.