Vietnam: pig epidemic likely to spread
With 20 000 pigs wiped out in under two weeks, Vietnam is battling to control the rampant Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), also known as blue ear disease.
The Vietnamese government has administered the four central provinces with VND25 billion (US$1.55 million) to combat the outbreak, which is likely to spread to the south of the country.
The worst hit area is the Quang Nam province, where VND10 billion was provided. Health minister, Cao Duc Phat, at a meeting with the Health Administration, called for all available resources to control the disease – highlighting the importance of preventing the disease from spreading.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development instructed affected provinces to contain the disease by not transporting infected pigs from the north or central Vietnam for instance. Local pig breeders were warned to inoculate their animals, to steer clear from obtaining new animals, and to remain vigilant against pigs of uncertain origins.
Blue ear disease has been discovered in the Can Giuoc district in the Long An province (south of Vietnam), sending pork prices plunging.
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